Africa-Press – Mauritius. In his speech in Parliament, Mauritius’ Minister of Agro-Industry, Arvin Boolell, emphasized the legal and moral right of Mauritians to fish in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and referenced statements from British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer affirming Mauritius’ sovereignty over the Chagos. He highlighted the need to reduce dependence on fish imports and increase local production of agricultural products such as potatoes and onions, stressing the importance of self-sufficiency.
Boolell also mentioned the Global Programme for Agricultural Development of Africa, calling for each country to invest 10% of its public spending in food production. He emphasized the necessity of optimizing marine resources and developing skills and commitments in this area, urging the government to take the lead in these efforts.
The minister called on producers and operators to break free from lethargy and focus on land optimization and agricultural management. He announced collaboration with India for technical assistance to expedite this process and stressed the creation of special agricultural zones.
Regarding the sugar industry, Boolell pointed out the previous government’s failures in protecting small planters and announced the new government’s plan to raise the sugar price to Rs 35,000 per ton. He also emphasized the production of specialty sugars for niche markets and the use of agricultural waste for energy production.
Furthermore, the minister highlighted the importance of sustainable fishing and the development of necessary infrastructure for the blue economy. He mentioned collaboration with Vietnam to share experiences and launch a second National Dialogue on the ocean economy. Boolell also stressed the need for marine protected areas to enhance biodiversity and combat climate change, while outlining the government’s plans to improve food security and bolster blue resilience.
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