Africa-Press – Mauritius. Government’s policy is to promote national food security so that the country gradually becomes self-sufficient and depends less on imported products. The Attorney-General and Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security, Mr Maneesh Gobin, made this statement, today, at the launch of an exhibition cum sales, organised at Farmers Service Agency in Union Park, in the context of International Tea Day, observed annually on 21 May.
The Minister of Financial Services and Good Governance, Mr Mahen Kumar Seeruttun; the Chief Government Whip, Mrs Naveena Ramyad; and the Parliamentary Private Secretary, Ms Teenah Jutton, and other personalities were present.
Minister Gobin spoke of the need to transform and revitalise the tea sector in Mauritius amid several challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, climate change, and strong competition on the international market.
He reassured that, despite these hurdles, Government is doing its best to support small planters, through various schemes, so that they are encouraged towards local production which will promote self-sufficiency, and contribute to the country’s economy.
The payment of Winter Tea Allowance, he recalled, started in 2018 and is ongoing as part of Government’s strong commitment to support tea growers. Minister Gobin noted a remarkable increase of 20% in the area of tea cultivation over the years, which according to him, is a sign of progress in the sector that shows the determination of planters to continue the local tea production.
He also observed that the use of fertilisers has contributed to an increase in tea harvest. As such, he stated, his Ministry is providing bio-fertilisers to small planters and is trying to come up with new solutions in order to adapt to the rise in price of fertilisers.
Minister Gobin urged tea planters and producers to develop new and innovative tea products to sustain local tea production and valorise the sector. For his part, Minister Seeruttun dwelt on the prevailing challenges that the agricultural industry is facing due to COVID-19 and the Ukraine and Russia War.
He expressed optimism as regards the tea sector in Mauritius adding that the sector has enormous potential and opportunities that are yet to be explored. International Tea Day
The General Assembly designated 21 May as International Tea Day to reemphasise the call from the Intergovernmental Group on Tea to direct greater efforts towards expanding demand, particularly in tea-producing countries, where per capita consumption is relatively low, and supporting efforts to address the declining per capita consumption in traditional importing countries.
The day is a call to promote and foster collective actions to implement activities in favour of the sustainable production and consumption of tea and raise awareness of its importance in fighting hunger and poverty.
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