🇲🇺MauritiusEast Africa
Government plans to boost agricultural production, including sugar, tea, and livestock
via Le Mauricien1 min read
The government aims to increase sugar production to 250,000 tonnes by 2030, supported by an annual subsidy of Rs 100 million for three years to rehabilitate 500 hectares for small and medium planters. To enhance tea production, a subsidy covering 50% of replanting costs, up to Rs 25,000 per arpent, will be offered to small planters, projected to increase tea production by 50% by 2029. A Forest Bill will be introduced to promote agroforestry and forest resilience to climate change. A resource center for researchers and farmers will also be established to encourage healthy food production for the local market and strengthen food security. The government will invest Rs 45 million to improve infrastructure for goat, sheep, and cattle farms, increasing their breeding capacity. Additionally, Rs 75 million will be allocated to breeders for animal feed, and Rs 27 million under the Livestock Development Scheme for animal purchases, farm equipment, and veterinary services. A state-of-the-art veterinary center will be built with Rs 50 million.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Mauricien.
Mauritius is introducing new legislation to make violations of protection orders a criminal offense, aiming to enhance safety and gender equality. A new domestic violence bill will reinforce protection orders, and a coordinating committee on gender-based violence will be established for rapid, inter-institutional responses. Victims of gender-based violence will also receive support through financial autonomy training. To protect vulnerable children, a National Adoption Bill will create a modern legal framework for adoption and a dedicated adoption authority. The Foster Care Advisory Unit will be strengthened, and foster care regulations revised to simplify assessments for prospective foster parents and build a stronger network of qualified foster families. Ten million rupees are allocated for new shelters, specialized caregiver training, and a transitional home. The national gender equality policy will be extended across all sectors to integrate gender into decision-making, with five million rupees allocated for a women's incubator under the SME program. New laws are also being developed to ensure a minimum 25% female representation on the boards of parastatal bodies. Additionally, women seeking loans will no longer require spousal consent, and a "She Invents" project will promote women in research and innovation.
Must ReadPrime Minister and Minister of Finance, Navin Ramgoolam, is presenting the 2026-2027 Budget to the National Assembly today, June 19, 2026. Key announcements are expected to cover fiscal measures, the cost of living, pensions, employment, housing, water, and infrastructure. The Mauricien is providing live coverage of the event. Ahead of the presentation, various stakeholders have shared their expectations. Jack Bismohun of USM stated, "No need for new disguised taxes." Clency Bibi of GWF anticipated "a vast national program of free transport." Dewan Quedou of MTUC expressed, "We await the restoration of the BRP at 60 years." Haniff Peerun of MLC requested, "No antisocial measures please." Radhakrishna Sadien of CITU called for "all vacant posts in the civil service to be filled!".
Gaëtan Siew, the Ambassador of Mauritius to the Republic of Korea, represented Mauritius at the recent Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Seoul. The diplomatic event brought together representatives from 50 African countries and major continental institutions. The meeting highlighted South Korea's significant role in digital transformation, technological innovation, and soft power, emphasizing the growing strategic partnership between Korea and African nations. Ambassador Siew stated that this dialogue platform allowed Mauritius to reaffirm its position as a bridge between Asia and Africa, leveraging its strategic geographical location, institutional stability, and favorable business environment. On the sidelines of the meeting, discussions were held with key economic players, including Hyundai Motor Company and LX International, focusing on economic cooperation, investment, and partnerships to support Mauritius's development and strengthen its ties with South Korea. This participation aligns with Mauritius's goal to diversify its international partnerships and capitalize on South Korea's economic and technological dynamism.