On November 5, 2024, Mauritius celebrated two significant milestones: the 45th anniversary of the Mauritius Planters Agricultural Cooperative Society and the 40th anniversary of the Community Health Centre Movement. These anniversaries were marked by a special event held at the Hindu House in Cassis, where leaders and guests gathered to honor these longstanding contributions to agriculture and health in Mauritius. Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth attended the event alongside prominent figures such as the Mauritian High Commissioner to Malaysia, Jagdishwar Goburdhun; Lady Sarojini Jugnauth; and other notable personalities. During his speech, the Prime Minister emphasized the Government’s dedication to supporting both the agricultural sector and the health infrastructure that benefits communities across the country.
The Prime Minister spoke on the importance of Community Health Centres, acknowledging the positive impact they have on the nation’s well-being. He encouraged local planters to adopt bio-production methods and integrate advanced technologies to enhance the sustainability and productivity of local agriculture. This, he said, would be essential for boosting crop yields and ensuring a stable food supply for Mauritius.
Prime Minister Jugnauth outlined several measures aimed at supporting the planter community, including subsidies for seeds and fertilizers, the establishment of a biomass network, and initiatives for land replanting. He also announced specific benefits for tea growers, who will enjoy duty-free access to essential supplies and an increased winter allowance from Rs 2.50 to Rs 4.50 per kilogram of tea, helping to sustain their livelihoods.
The High Commissioner, Mr. Goburdhun, also addressed the audience, underscoring the importance of training programs for planters and promoting sustainable farming practices, such as Zero Budget Natural Farming. He emphasized that education and awareness would empower planters to adopt practices that protect the environment and reduce costs, contributing to the broader goal of sustainable
