LocationsThe project aims to support 30 farmers in transitioning to agroecology
Mrs. Jacqueline Sauzier, CSK, Secretary General of the Mauritius Chamber of Agriculture (MCA); Ms Amanda Serumaga, UNDP Mauritius and Seychelles Resident Representative, and Honourable Arvin Boolell, Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries.
UNDP Mauritius
The third phase of the Smart Agriculture project was officially launched on 7 April in Réduit. The event brought together Honourable Arvin Boolell, Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries; Mrs. Jacqueline Sauzier, CSK, Secretary General of the Mauritius Chamber of Agriculture (MCA); Ms Amanda Serumaga, UNDP Mauritius and Seychelles Resident Representative; Ms Pamela Bapoo Dundoo, Eco-Counsellor and National Coordinator of the UNDP GEF Small Grants Programme in Mauritius; and representatives from the Mauritian farming community. This initiative marks another milestone in the country’s efforts to promote sustainable farming practices.
Increasing concerns over the health and environmental risks posed by excessive pesticide use in agriculture have fueled the need for change. The Smart Agriculture initiative, led by the MCA, has been addressing these issues since its inception in 2015. By guiding farmers toward more sustainable practices, the project seeks to ensure healthier and safer produce for local and global markets.
Reducing use of pesticides and increasing profit margins
The first phase of the project, launched in 2015 and funded by Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC), identified alarmingly high pesticide usage among 300 planters in Mauritius. Between 2018 and 2022, Phase 2 expanded on these findings, with funding and support from the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC), the European Union, Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (FAREI), and Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement (CIRAD). Thirteen participants—including small planters from Plaine Sophie and Moka, as well as corporate entities—successfully reduced pesticide use by 57% across seven crops, while their gross margins more than doubled. The KARO NATIREL initiative, introduced in 2023, further promoted sustainable practices and enhanced farmers’ products through discussions on certification.
Transitioning to Agroecology
Phase 3 of the Smart Agriculture project, running from 2024 to 2026, is supported by the UNDP Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP) under the “Accompanying Farmers on their Agroecological Journey from Smart Agri Farm to Certification project”. This initiative has received a $75,000 grant and is dedicated to helping 30 farmers transition to agroecology and obtain certifications such as MauriGAP and Made in Moris. A pedagogical guide on smart agriculture will be developed, available both in print and online, to make sustainable farming knowledge accessible.
Participating farmers stand to gain substantial benefits from the initiative. Each will receive up to Rs 30,000 for purchasing essential tools and equipment, along with Rs 5,000 to cover certification costs. Training sessions, conducted by experts from CIRAD and FAREI, will equip them with the skills necessary to adopt sustainable techniques. This comprehensive support system aims to empower farmers by improving their livelihoods, protecting the environment, and catering to the growing demand for safer, naturally grown produce.
Making agriculture smart and appealing to the youth
UNDP Mauritius and Seychelles Resident Representative, Amanda Serumaga, underscored the importance of innovation in sustainable farming: “We are especially excited about the new and creative parts of this project—like using digital tools to share farming knowledge and blockchain technology to track how food is grown. These features help put Mauritius at the front of sustainable farming among island nations.”
Honourable Arvin Boolell, Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, stressed the urgency of ecological agriculture: “No one wants to eat vegetables or fruits fed with pesticides that have a bad impact on health, and strong signals have to be sent on the merits of ecological agriculture.” He emphasized the importance of instilling sustainable values in younger generations and making agroecology profitable through premium-quality products. The Minister also indicated that ‘’if need be his Ministry can provide differential treatment to the start-ups’’ and called for collaboration among key ministries—Health, Agro-Industry, and Environment—to transform agriculture into a smarter, more precise, and appealing sector for future farmers.
The launching event concluded by a presentation on agroecology facilitated by Hemlesh Greerdharry, Mishtee Sumboo and Zaynah Arjanee from the MCA.
As the Smart Agriculture project progresses into its third phase, it exemplifies the power of collaboration among government entities, international organizations, and local communities in driving meaningful change. By championing sustainable farming practices, Mauritius is setting a commendable example for island nations worldwide, while paving the way for a greener future.
