Youth Farming Project: Young participants recognised for agro-ecological farming initiatives

A strong focus was placed on youth empowerment and sustainable agriculture through the Youth Farming Project, during a certificate and prize presentation ceremony held this morning at the China Cultural Centre in Bell Village, in the presence of the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Darmarajen Nagalingum.

The initiative, organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports in collaboration with the Farmers in Agriculture, Livestock, Cooperative and Organic Network (FALCON) Association, and supported by partners including the China Cultural Centre and the Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (FAREI), aims to promote agro-ecological farming practices among young people.

The Vice-President of the Farmers in Agriculture, Livestock, Cooperative and Organic Network (FALCON) Association, Mr Dana Chengen, the Director of the China Cultural Centre, Mr Yang Jun, representatives of partner institutions, educators, youth participants and other personalities were also present on the occasion.

The Youth Farming Project brought together some 280 young participants from several educational and social institutions, namely Mahatma Gandhi Secondary School, Moka; Mont Roche Training Centre; Mapou State Secondary School; Étoile de Mer, Roche Noires; Mohun Parsad Sharma Jugdambi State Secondary School; Mauritius Mental Health Association; Trèfles; and Angel Special School and Welfare Association of Rivière des Anguilles.

As part of the project, participants attended a series of theoretical and practical training sessions conducted from 02 June 2025 to 27 February 2026 at the FALCON Model Farm Training Centre in Terre Rouge. The training modules focused on various aspects of agro-ecological farming, including kitchen gardening, composting, innovative vegetable cultivation techniques, sheltered farming, mushroom production, beekeeping, aquaponics, hydroponics, bio-farming and the misuse and impacts of pesticides. Field visits, practical demonstrations and hands-on kitchen gardening activities were also organised to provide participants with experiential learning opportunities.

In his address, Minister Nagalingum highlighted the importance of empowering young people through sustainable agricultural practices and practical learning initiatives. He underlined that agriculture represents not only a means of contributing to food security and the national economy, but also a valuable tool for personal development, resilience and self-reliance among youths.

The Minister commended the collaborative efforts of the Ministry and its partners in implementing the project and encouraged participants to remain committed, disciplined and visionary in their pursuits. He further stressed the need for young people to appreciate the value of teamwork, perseverance and environmental stewardship while making meaningful contributions to society and the country’s development.

During the ceremony, certificates were remitted to participants upon successful completion of the Agro Ecological Farming Project, while prizes were awarded for outstanding kitchen gardening projects. A video presentation highlighting the projects undertaken by the participants throughout the training period was also screened.

14 May 2026

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Topics: Youth