The agriculture sector in Mauritius is in crisis, with seed production declining significantly over the past decade. According to Joanna Bérenger, a key figure in the sector, the production of seeds has dropped by 66.8% between 2015 and 2025. This decline has raised concerns about the country's food security and sovereignty. The sector has been plagued by issues including the importation of low-quality seeds and the allocation of land meant for seed production to other purposes.
The Seeds Production Centre in Roches-Brunes is one of the facilities affected by the decline in seed production. Only 19% of the land at the centre is being used for seed production, with 29 arpents of land being allocated to a single company, Earthrise Farm Ltd, owned by the Ramdhari couple. The allocation of land to this company has raised questions, as it is not involved in seed production. Instead, it is using the land and infrastructure of the ministry of agro-industry for its own commercial activities.
The issue of land allocation has been highlighted as a major concern, with many questioning the decision to allocate land meant for seed production to other purposes. The land allocated to Earthrise Farm Ltd is being used for commercial activities, including the production of vegetables, which is driving up the cost of production and impacting the local market. Furthermore, the company is paying only Rs 1,000 per arpent per year for the land, while other farmers have to pay between Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 per arpent per year.
The decline in seed production has also been attributed to a lack of resources, including equipment and personnel. At the Richelieu Experiment Station, the production of seeds has declined by 38% between 2017 and October 2025, due to a shortage of staff. The station's workforce has decreased from 123 people in 2015 to 60 in 2025, leading to a significant decline in production. The ministry of agro-industry has proposed recruitments, but claims that there is not enough funding.
The minister of agro-industry, Arvin Boolell, has attributed the decline in seed production to the previous government and has promised to revive the sector. However, his efforts have been questioned, as his own decisions have led to the allocation of land meant for seed production to other purposes. Boolell has also stated that he is not in favor of encouraging farmers to produce seeds, citing a lack of feasibility studies and potential risks to biodiversity and national food security.
The issue of land conversion has also been raised, with Boolell stating that good agricultural land is being converted into real estate projects. However, he has himself authorized many such conversions, citing government policy. The conversion of agricultural land into other uses has significant implications for food security and the economy of the country.
The crisis in the agriculture sector has significant implications for the people of Mauritius, who may face food shortages and increased costs. The sector's decline has also led to concerns about the country's ability to achieve food sovereignty. As the government and stakeholders seek to address these challenges, it remains to be seen whether the sector can be revived and made sustainable.
Key points
- Seed production in Mauritius has declined by 66.8% between 2015 and 2025.
- Only 58% of allocated land for seed production and experimentation is being used.
- The ministry of agro-industry has proposed recruitments to address staff shortages, but claims that there is not enough funding.
