The Mauritian government has officially introduced the Tea Replantation Scheme, an initiative aimed at revitalizing the country's tea sector. The scheme, implemented by the Small Farmers Welfare Fund (SFWF), aligns with measures announced in the 2026/27 Budget to boost the national tea industry. The goal is to increase local tea production by 50% by 2029.
Under the scheme, small farmers will receive a subsidy covering 50% of replantation costs, capped at Rs 25,000 per arpent. Preliminary surveys by the SFWF have identified around 46.45 arpents of abandoned land in Nouvelle-France, Grand-Bois, Bois-Chéri, and Grande-Chartreuse, owned by about 50 farmers. The Ministry of Agro-industry, Food Security, Blue Economy, and Fisheries will initiate the first phase of the program with these 50 small-scale farmers.
The program aims to expand over the next two financial years, targeting the redevelopment of approximately 175 additional arpents. To ensure adherence to prescribed agronomic standards and proper use of public funds, eligible small farmers will conduct replantation or rehabilitation work under the joint supervision of the SFWF, the Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (FAREI), and the National Agricultural Products Regulatory Office (NAPRO).
Financially, aid disbursement will occur directly to concerned farmers after completion and validation of work on their plots. This approach guarantees that public funds are utilized effectively and in accordance with set norms. The Tea Replantation Scheme represents a significant step towards reviving Mauritius's tea industry, which has seen a decline in recent years.
The Mauritian government has expressed optimism about the scheme's potential to not only enhance tea production but also improve the livelihoods of small farmers. By supporting these farmers, the government aims to create a more sustainable and productive tea sector. The scheme's success will be closely monitored, with ongoing assessments to ensure it meets its set objectives.
Key stakeholders, including farmers, SFWF officials, and representatives from FAREI and NAPRO, will collaborate to ensure the scheme's smooth implementation. Regular updates on the program's progress will be provided, offering insights into its impact on the local tea industry and the farmers it supports.
The Tea Replantation Scheme is poised to play a crucial role in Mauritius's efforts to revitalize its tea sector and achieve its production targets. With its structured approach and focus on sustainability, the scheme holds promise for the future of tea farming in the country.
Key points
- The Mauritian government has launched the Tea Replantation Scheme to increase local tea production by 50% by 2029.
- The scheme offers small farmers a subsidy of up to Rs 25,000 per arpent for replantation costs.
- The program will be implemented in phases, with the initial focus on 50 small-scale farmers and a target of redeveloping 175 additional arpents over the next two years.
