LocationsThe E-Commerce Platform “Bazar Moris” launched in the context of World Food Day 2022
October 25, 2022
“Bazar Moris”, a new e-Commerce platform supported by the UNDP and the Government of Japan, was officially launched by the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food security in the context of World Food Day 2022, on Friday 21 October.
The Republic of Mauritius now has an E-Commerce platform for the online sale and purchase of fruits and vegetables. Named “Bazar Moris”, this new facility supported by the UNDP and the Government of Japan, was officially launched by the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food security in the context of World Food Day 2022, on Friday 21 October.
“Bazar Moris” is the result of a collaboration between the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security, the Government of Japan, the Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institution (FAREI) and the UNDP. This open trading platform aims at providing a modern digital trading facility to the farming community, wholesalers, retailers, entrepreneurs in agro-processing, delivery service operators and consumers.
In a global context characterized by conflicts, climate change, pandemics and price rises which threaten food security, the platform will also contribute to transform the national fruit and vegetable marketplace; promote new agricultural products; strengthen regulations, standards and norms for sales; and reduce food shortages and wastage through planned production.
Implementing sustainable food systems that leave no one behind
During the launching ceremony, Mr. Robert Banamwana, representing the UN Resident Coordinator’s office for Mauritius and Seychelles, stressed on the importance of World Food Day, which is celebrated on 16 October every year. According to him, collective efforts are required to address food vulnerability through sustainable food systems that leave no one behind in the food chain. Mr. Robert Banamwana also mentioned the efforts done by the Government of Mauritius to “generate food security and nutrition for future generations without compromising on the economy, social well-being and the environment.”
In her address to the audience, the UNDP Mauritius and Seychelles Resident Representative, Ms. Amanda Serumaga, stated that “UNDP looks forward to seeing the results of this partnership with the Ministry and FAREI so that the planters become a real engine for food security in the current volatile economic environment.” Ms. Serumaga also highlighted the importance for farmers to accept technology as a solution for the future, and encouraged young planters to “register on the system and benefit plentifully from the platform put at their disposition”.
The Honourable Maneesh Gobin, Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security, acknowledged the UNPD and Japanese Government for the support provided to Mauritius during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the “Bazar Moris” project. Considering the online sale platform as a milestone for the ministry, Minister Gobin underlined the importance of transforming local products into value-added goods that have longer shelf life to ensure food waste reduction and increased food security.
During the launching ceremony, a new book on Agro-Processing entitled 'Guide de la Transformation et de la Conservation des Produits Agricoles à Maurice', and a new variety of tomato were also presented. This event was also an opportunity for FAREI to recognize Mrs. B. Saraye, a research scientist, for her work under the IAEA “Women in Plant Mutation Breeding” project.