Water scarcity prompts urgent talks with agricultural stakeholders

Closer coordination among institutions and the judicious use of available water resources are essential to sustaining agricultural production and livestock activities, said the Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Dr Arvin Boolell following an urgent meeting with key stakeholders in Port Louis today.

The meeting brought together representatives of several institutions, including the Irrigation Authority, the Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute, the Agricultural Marketing Board, the Mauritius Cane Industry Authority and the Small Farmers Welfare Fund, among others. The Junior Minister, Mr Gilles Fabrice David, was also present.

Minister Boolell acknowledged the challenges posed by the prevailing water situation but expressed confidence that they could be overcome through coordinated action across institutions. He called for effective resource management and a collaborative approach to address the needs of planters and livestock breeders.

In addition, he called for proactive measures and practical solutions to maintain agricultural activities and safeguard food security, with particular emphasis on the judicious and sustainable use of water for crop cultivation, livestock farming and hydroponic production.

In this context, Dr Boolell emphasised the importance of investing in modern irrigation techniques, including drip irrigation and precision agriculture, to improve water-use efficiency and promote more sustainable agricultural practices. He further indicated that certain water resources remain underutilised and should be identified and assessed in collaboration with the Water Resources Commission to determine their potential for agricultural purposes.

He further advocated closer collaboration between the public and private sectors to identify additional water sources and ensure their fair and equitable distribution. Welcoming the constructive discussions held with participating institutions, he reiterated the importance of continued consultation and collective action to address water scarcity.

12 October 2026

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Topics: Agriculture, Water Resources