Agro: Distribution of fertilisers and cutting equipment to tea planters

Government is supporting tea planters through the distribution of fertilisers under the Tea Sector Support Scheme, as part of efforts to boost production and strengthen the local tea sector. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries in collaboration with the Small Farmers Welfare Fund (SFWF), provides assistance to registered small tea planters to enhance the productivity of their fields.

The event was held on 01 October 2026 in Nouvelle France, in presence of the Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Dr Arvin Boolell; the Junior Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries , Mr Gilles Fabrice David; the Junior Minister of Health and Wellness, Mrs Anishta Babooram; Member of Parliament, Mr Ashley Ramdass; and other personalities.

Modern portable tea-leaf cutting equipment, donated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), was also handed over to seven tea cooperatives.

On that occasion, Minister Boolell reaffirmed Government’s commitment to supporting tea planters and developing the sector, while stressing the need to increase local food production. He called for greater innovation and the development of value-added tea products to tap the sector’s potential.

He also highlighted measures available to planters through the Development Bank of Mauritius and encouraged greater investment and innovation in the sector.

Junior Minister David noted that an additional Rs 13 million had been allocated to the Tea Sector Support Scheme in the Budget. Reiterating Government’s commitment to assisting tea planters, he stressed the increase in the allocation to the Tea Sector Support Scheme for the 2026–2027 fiscal year from Rs 8 million to Rs 13 million.

Junior Minister Babooram underlined that tea remains widely consumed in Mauritius, while the country continues to import more tea than it exports. While MP Ramdass encouraged greater participation by young people in tea cultivation andplanters to take advantage of available grants and mechanisation schemes to boost production.

Under the Tea Sector Support Scheme, registered small tea planters, including members of cooperatives receive fertiliser assistance to improve the production of tea leaves.

NPK and CAN fertilisers are to be applied between September and October, and January to February each year. The Scheme operates through a voucher system, with eligible planters receiving vouchers indicating the quantity of fertiliser allocated to them. The vouchers are presented to suppliers selected by the SFWF.

Fertilisers are delivered to planters in their respective localities according to a pre-established schedule.

05 October 2026

Email: gis@govmu.org

Website: https://gis.govmu.org

Mobile App: GIS News

Topics: Agriculture