Stakeholders and Farmers assess impact of Middle East crisis on agriculture

The Small Farmers Welfare Fund, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, organised a consultative meeting with farmers on 7 May 2026 at the Centre Artisanat in Quatre Cocos to assess the impact of the Middle East crisis on the agricultural sector.

The session was attended by the Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Dr Arvin Boolell, as well as representatives from the Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Unit, Mauritius Cane Industry Authority, Agricultural Marketing Board, Irrigation Authority, Agricultural Services, Development Bank of Mauritius, Sugar Investment Trust, and Landscope Mauritius.

The consultative meeting aimed to engage directly with farmers in order to assess the impacts being experienced on the ground and to identify pressing challenges. It also provided a platform for stakeholders to share views on immediate relief measures, as well as medium- and long-term strategies to strengthen resilience and improve coordination among relevant institutions.

Discussions focused on the effects of the Middle East crisis, with particular emphasis on rising costs of fertilisers, agrochemicals, animal feed, fuel, and transportation. Farmers also highlighted concerns related to labour shortages, market access, and irrigation costs.

Farmers and stakeholders agreed to strengthen collaboration in addressing the growing challenges, while working to sustain and enhance local food production across both the crop and livestock sectors.

11 May 2026

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Topics: Agriculture