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Agro Industry

Agriculture has played a major role in the national economy for decades. Although it is no longer the largest contributor to national production and wealth generation, the sector still makes a significant contribution to GDP (4.4%), export earnings, foreign exchange earnings, and employment. Over the years, the sector has evolved substantially; for instance, the sugar industry has expanded into the cane industry, which now includes the production of refined and specialty sugars, alcohol, rum, and biomass for energy. Additionally, high-value horticulture, fruits, vegetables, and a variety of processed foods are now produced locally.

The agriculture sector in Mauritius is facing several challenges, which have been exacerbated by recent global events. Despite significant strides toward self-sufficiency in some crops, the country still relies heavily on imports for processed foods. In response to these challenges, the government has introduced several measures aimed at promoting import substitution, enhancing food security by increasing local production, supporting sustainable and resilient farming practices, and developing the agro-processing industry.

The government’s strategy is focused on modernising the sector through the adoption of new technologies, improving food quality and safety, implementing good agricultural practices, embracing green agriculture concepts, and promoting controlled environment agriculture. By targeting these areas, the government is committed to strengthening the agricultural sector and ensuring long-term food security for Mauritius.

The Mauritius Agricultural Landscape

Crops2023
Area harvested (hectares)Production (tonnes)
Sugar cane35,8632,452,653
Tea (green leaves)6276,762
Food crops9,222155,166
29000
EMPLOYMENT 2023
0 %
CONTRIBUTION TO GDP 2023
MUR 10 Bn
TOTAL EXPORTS 2023

Discover our Sectors

    • Controlled Environment Agriculture

      Mauritius is heavily reliant on food imports and is also vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, which can negatively affect crop yields. To mitigate these risks and decrease our dependency on imports, the adoption of modern farming techniques is essential. Controlled environment agriculture methods, such as greenhouses, container farming, hydroponics, aquaponics, and vertical farming, offer promising solutions to enhance food production and resilience in the face of these challenges.

    • Bio-Farming

      The rising concerns of consumers on the negative impact of agrochemicals has led to an increase in demand for safe fruits and vegetables. In line with the Government’s policy for bio-food production, farmers are encouraged to eliminate the use of synthetic agrochemicals and shift to environmentally friendly productions.

    • Nutraceutical

      To promote the growth of the nutraceutical sector, the Mauritian Government has launched a framework to encourage the private sector’s involvement in large-scale production of nutraceuticals and functional foods. To assist both existing and aspiring operators in this field, the EDB has created a user-friendly database containing comprehensive information on over a hundred plants with nutraceutical potential. This database can be accessed at: http://app-edb-nutra.azurewebsites.net/. Additionally, the government has introduced various incentives to attract investment in the nutraceutical sector and establish a supportive ecosystem for transforming crops with high nutraceutical potential into value-added products.

    • Food Processing

      Food processing presents opportunities to minimise post-harvest losses; increase shelf life of farm produce; and reduce imports. Numerous investment opportunities exist for the transformation of agricultural products and livestock into products for intermediate or final consumption.

    • Green Biotechnology

      The field of green biotechnology is rapidly advancing globally, driven by the urgent need to address environmental degradation resulting from climate change. These conditions create a strong impetus for applying biotechnology to food and crop production in the future. Agricultural biotechnology has demonstrated significant positive impacts in many countries. In Mauritius, this area particularly in the non-sugar is young and growing. The research arm of the sugar industry, namely the Mauritius Sugar Industry Research Institute is involved since many years in continuous and extensive development of new cane varieties that adapt positively to local conditions and climate change. For the non-sugar sector, research institutions like Food & Agricultural Research and Extension Institute and Mauritius Research and Innovation Council are supporting research initiatives aimed at enhancing the crop sector and food security. The prospects for green biotechnology in Mauritius are immense, offering the potential to enhance sustainability and food security.

    • Apiculture

      Mauritius offers promising opportunities for apiculture, particularly due to its reliance on imported honey products. The country’s diverse flora and favourable climate create ideal conditions for beekeeping, allowing for local honey production and the development of products like propolis. Investing in this sector can reduce import dependency, promote sustainable practices, and enhance biodiversity through pollination.

Incentives & Schemes

Through a panoply of schemes and unique incentives offered, EDB Mauritius supports the expansion and growth of business operations as a way to enhance substantive and value-added economic activities in Mauritius.

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“In light of growing consumer interest for health-enhancing foods, the nutraceutical industry is poised to emerge as a new pole of development in the healthcare sector, yielding considerable opportunities for pharmaceutical and food companies to diversify their product offerings. ”

Julie de Chasteauneuf, Communication and Marketing Officer
Indika Pharma Ltd

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