Medine: Sugar cane harvest begins this Wednesday

As part of its commitment to sustainable agriculture, Medine continues its replanting strategy with more than 300 hectares replanted each year. The group is also investing in technological innovation with the recent acquisition of two new planters and precision irrigation systems and latest generation pivots for irrigation that can be controlled remotely, optimizing water use and strengthening cultural resilience.

Variations in rainfall played a crucial role this year. If the precipitation was generous at the start of the cane's growth, the excess rain during the floods of January and April and the volume of summer rains in February and March influenced the harvest.

“We are aware of the challenges posed by climate variations, but our commitment to innovation and sustainability allows us to overcome these obstacles. Our continued investments in new technologies and equipment demonstrate our faith in the future of Mauritian agriculture,” says Patrick Lagesse, Managing Director of the Medine agricultural hub.

Sugar industry: the cutting starts this Monday with a severe lack of labor in the fields

From their offices, the authorities do not measure the extent of the problem, observes the president of the Planters Reform Association.

The cane sector is one of the most impacted by the lack of labor, says Salil Roy, president of the Planters Reform Association.

As the 2024 cut begins this Monday, he explains that the industry has lost around 80% of its employees.

Contractors make rain or shine, complains Salil Roy.

According to forecasts for this season, the industry is expected to produce 255,000 tonnes of sugar.