Government advances plans for decentralisation of National Wholesale Market

A consultative dialogue on the decentralisation of the National Wholesale Market (NWM) regrouping planters and stakeholders of the agricultural sector was held yesterday in presence of the Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Dr Arvin Boolell, at the Farmer’s Service Centre in Goodland. The aim was to take note of the suggestions and recommendations in the effective decentralisation of the NWM.

The Minister of Education and Human Resource, Dr Mahend Gungapersad; the Minister of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity, Mr Ashok Kumar Subron; Junior Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Mr Gilles Fabrice David; Members of the National Assembly; and the General Manager of the Agricultural Marketing Board (AMB), Mr Nuvin Deerpalsing, were among the main attendees.

Under the decentralisation project, existing facilities in Goodlands and Flacq will be transformed into regional mini wholesale markets, reducing reliance on the main market at Wooton. This initiative will bring trading directly to production areas, marking it easier for local farmers, auctioneers and traders to do business closer to their place of operations.

Addressing participants, Minister Boolell highlighted that the decentralisation project, developed with the support of the AMB, aims to safeguard the interests of planters while protecting consumers from rising prices of fruits and vegetables. He indicated that the project will initially be implemented on a pilot basis and is expected to reduce transportation costs for planters in the northern and eastern regions through shorter supply chains. The initiative he said, will facilitate faster delivery of agricultural produce, ensure greater freshness of products available to consumers and contribute to reducing food wastage.

Speaking on the role of the NWM, he recalled that it was established under the Mauritius Agricultural Marketing Act to centralise agricultural trade, eliminate illegal auctions and promote fair and orderly marketing practices. However, in view of the challenges currently faced by planters and traders, Government has decided to decentralise market activities. He emphasised that proximity with citizens, improved sanitary conditions and fair pricing are at the centre of the strategy.

The Minister also advocated for the increased use of technology in the agricultural sector to enhance productivity and competitiveness. He encouraged greater participation of young people in agricultural activities and announced that the AMB will implement a transparent pricing policy for fruits and vegetables. The pricing information will be made publicly available on the website on AMB and the Korek App to ensure that consumers have access to accurate and reliable market data.

For their part, Ministers Gungapersad and Subron welcomed the initiative, stating that the decentralisation of the NWM will serve best interests of both planters and consumers.

12 June 2026

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Topics: Agriculture