Plots of land are being given to individuals and coops

The 1,000 arpents were ceded under an agreement between the government and the Mauritius Sugar Producers’ Association (MSPA) in April 2008 as part of the reform of the sugar industry.

Under the terms of the agreement, 2,000 arpents were granted by the MSPA, including 1,000 reserved for food crop production. To date, the acquisition of six plots of land over an area of 230 arpents has been finalised and the land entrusted to government.

The selected producers and agri-business entrepreneurs will receive all the necessary facilities and support to boost food production under the Food Security Fund.

These include land preparation, irrigation facilities and incentives for setting up the required infrastructure and post-harvest facilities.

They will also have access to concessionary credit facilities and special schemes for the purchase of agricultural inputs and equipment.

Land for food crop and fruit production, livestock and dairy projects will next be allocated to eligible entrepreneurs at Mare d’Albert, St. Hubert and L’Esperance. Around 140 arpents have been indentified and will be leased in these regions under the 1,000 arpents scheme.