CABI Workshop Aims to Strengthen Food Security in Mauritius
To boost food security in Mauritius, the Centre for Agricultural Biosciences International (CABI) hosted a one-day consultative workshop for stakeholders in the agri-food sector. The event focused on boosting food security in Mauritius and addressing related challenges. It saw the participation of Satydanand Aujeet, Supervising Officer of the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security, along with other notable figures.
Objectives of the Workshop
The workshop aimed to provide a platform for discussing strategies to achieve food security. It focused on strengthening partnerships and exploring inclusive innovations for sustainability. Key goals included understanding Mauritius’s agricultural system, identifying major constraints, and proposing mitigation measures. Additionally, the workshop sought to develop a sector action plan to enhance collaboration.
Mauritius and CABI Partnership
Satydanand Aujeet emphasized how the workshop themes align with government priorities, especially in enhancing the partnership with CABI and leveraging its expertise. The benefits include global networking opportunities through CABI’s extensive networks, partnerships between member countries, and collaborative efforts on crop health, climate change, and seed system development.
Benefits of CABI Membership
Mauritius has been a CABI member since 1986, gaining access to scientific expertise, products, and resources. These include training, phytosanitary risk analysis tools, and diagnostic services. Aujeet stressed the importance of strengthening these collaborations to fully maximize the benefits of Mauritius’s membership.
Government’s Strategic Agricultural Vision
The Supervising Officer reiterated the Ministry of Agro-Industry’s strategic plan, which advocates for a comprehensive approach to transforming the agricultural sector. Key policy goals include improving food and nutritional security, achieving self-sufficiency, and enhancing productivity and competitiveness. Additionally, the plan focuses on creating jobs, strengthening institutions, and reducing pesticide use to promote sustainable farming.
Addressing Sector Challenges
Aujeet also highlighted the need to address challenges such as increasing threats to plant health, poor crop management, and the growing impacts of climate change. These issues are pushing many into prolonged vulnerability.
About CABI
CABI is an international, intergovernmental, non-profit organization committed to improving lives worldwide. It provides information and scientific expertise to address agricultural and environmental problems. Guided by its 48 member countries, CABI’s work is carried out by scientific staff across a global network of centers.
