Africa-Press – Mauritius. Some 300 small planters registered under the Tea Sector Support Scheme benefited from the free distribution of Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) fertilisers during a ceremony held, yesterday, at Dhanush Hall in Nouvelle France.
The initiative was organised by the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, in collaboration with the Small Farmers Welfare Fund (SFWF). It aims to support tea cultivation and enhance productivity among small-scale tea growers.
The Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Dr Arvin Boolell; the Junior Minister, Mr Gilles Fabrice David; the Junior Minister of Health and Wellness, Mrs Anishta Babooram; Members of Parliament Mr Manoj Seeburn and Mr Ashley Ramdass; the Chairman of the SFWF, Mr Mahendrah Goonniah; as well as other personalities were present at the ceremony.
Introduced to support the tea sector, the Tea Sector Support Scheme provides registered small tea planters—including free planters, members of co-operatives, and ‘métayers’, with free fertilisers each year. Under the scheme, NPK fertiliser (22:7:7) is supplied at a rate of 175 kg per arpent, while Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) fertiliser is provided at 100 kg per arpent. These inputs help planters fertilise their fields and boost tea leaf production.
NPK fertiliser is applied annually between September and October, whereas CAN fertiliser is applied between January and February.
In his address, Minister Boolell underscored the importance of the tea sector in Mauritius, stating that it remains a sector with strong potential and must be revived. He pointed out that several countries, including England and China, have expanded into tea production, and emphasised that Government is taking all necessary measures to revitalise the agricultural sector. The Minister also highlighted the need to encourage greater participation of younger generations to ensure the sector’s long-term sustainability.
Addressing concerns related to tea quantity and quality, Dr Boolell acknowledged the current labour shortage but reassured planters that solutions are being explored to address the challenge. According to him, agricultural practices should not remain stagnant, but must evolve through innovation and modernisation. He therefore urged planters to adopt a forward-looking mindset and embrace modern techniques to further develop and strengthen the tea sector in Mauritius.
For his part, Junior Minister David recalled Government’s commitment to supporting small tea planters in improving both the quantity and quality of their production. He highlighted that Government has invested around Rs 40 million for small planters, including Rs 20 million allocated to the Winter Allowance, while the fully subsidised fertilisers represent an expenditure of approximately Rs 8.5 million. These initiatives, he added, provide planters with the necessary resources to enhance productivity and further strengthen the tea sector.
Junior Minister Babooram acknowledged that fertilisers can impact both the environment and human health, and called on planters to use them responsibly by adhering to the recommended quantities and application frequency. She also urged planters to prioritise local production and consumption, encouraging greater self-sufficiency within the sector.
Other speakers, including Mr Seeburn and Mr Ramdass, underlined the importance of recognising the tea sector’s role in Mauritius and ensuring that the tradition of tea planting continues. They commended the initiative, highlighting that the provision of fertilisers is vital for planters, as it helps boost productivity and improve soil health.
