Africa-Press – Mauritius. Two young farmers namely Mr Vyomesh Seeborun (Mauritius) and Mrs Marie Natacha Felicite (Rodrigues) have been selected for the Young Farmers in Leadership Incubation Program, initiated by the Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions (SACAU), to which the Farmers in Agriculture, Livestock, Cooperative, Organic Network (F.
A. L. C. O. N) is affiliated. A ceremony was held, today, in presence of the Attorney General, Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security, Mr Maneesh Gobin, and the Minister of Industrial Development, SMEs and Cooperatives, Mr Soomilduth Bholah, at the University of Mauritius in Réduit.
The two young farmers will travel to South Africa on 04 April 2022 and all travelling and accommodation costs are fully covered by SACAU. On the occasion, participants who attended the 100th Anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) and the World Political Party’s Summit last year, also received token gifts from the CPC.
In his address, Minister Bholah lauded the FALCON for educating the youth on the importance of adopting farming practices. “With the Russia and Ukraine war, we must turn to other sources of supplies”, he said, while highlighting the need to ponder on issues of food security and agro processing and to come up with new solutions.
He also urged farmers to shift from traditional farming and turn to organic farming to reduce health risks. Minister Gobin expressed appreciation with regard to the engagement of youngsters in farming adding that in a time of unprecedented geopolitical turmoil, “we have to realise the importance of supply chain”.
Government, he emphasised, will continue to support farmers through subsidies and schemes while stressing on a renewed partnership between different Ministries.
He further dwelt on the need to ensure the availability of adequate and proper seed supplies for tropical countries like Mauritius as well as the use of bio-fertiliser and bio-insecticide.
“Working collectively and enhancing proper network will contribute in managing risks so as to achieve success”, Minister Gobin stated.
The Young Farmers in Leadership Incubation Program is a call for young farmers in Southern-African countries, aiming to foster self-efficacy amongst young agripreneurs. The training accompanies youngsters to become future leaders of the agricultural sector.
As for the FALCON, it was founded in 2004 with the objective to sensitise farmers in Mauritius and Rodrigues to be involved in agriculture, organic farming, livestock and fisheries. The association also facilitates international exchanges and fosters strong networking.
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