THE RIGHT TO FOOD


“Mauritius has over the years taken bold measures to boost its agricultural production and ensure food security and safety. However, we are still


facing numerous challenges ahead, one of which is the phenomenon of climate change which is having drastic effects on food production.”


and reasonable prices.


The State Trading Corporation incorporated under the State Trading Corporation Act is responsible for the importation of other strategic food items and other items such as rice, flour and fuel at subsidized prices. To ensure that farmers


optimize their food crop production yield, a Seeds Act was introduced in 2013 to ensure that only quality seeds are used. The Consumer Protection Act also allows the Government to regulate the prices of basic food commodities with a system of maximum mark up.


The Sugarcane Industry Despite the numerous


challenges which the sugarcane sector is having to face as a result of reduction in price of sugar in its traditional market the sector still plays a very crucial role within the socio-economic framework of the country and the agricultural sector.


There are over 15,000 people who are either directly or indirectly,


employed by the industry and it therefore provides a vital source of income to the workers and helps in food procurement.


The total revenue to producers for the sugar crop is estimated at USD 150m in 2014. More than 80% of income generated from the sugarcane industry are in foreign exchange earnings. The economic importance of the industry is further demonstrated by the fact that the sugarcane crop occupies nearly 90% of cultivated area. Sugar production for the crop in 2014 was just over 400,000 tons. The Government is taking all the measures which it can to ensure that the sector remains viable and continues to contribute to the national economy. The policies in relation to sugar is geared towards increasing value by moving up the value chain and making more efficient use of the byproducts of the sector (which are now referred to as co-products).


Conclusion


Mauritius has over the years taken bold measures to boost its agricultural production and ensure food security and safety. However, we are still facing numerous challenges ahead, one of which is the phenomenon of climate change which is having drastic effects on food production. The Government is


monitoring the situation closely and will take remedial measures as and when required to ensure that the basic human right, that is the right to food, is always upheld and protected.


This is a critical issue which requires a holistic approach and has to be dealt with at local, regional and global level. Furthermore the issue of food security in Mauritius and the wider region poses a number of other major challenges. These include, firstly, the production of cheap and adequate amounts of food and of inputs for food processing. Secondly, the establishment of


infrastructure in terms of storage and handling facilities and harbor installations which otherwise would not attract investments. Thirdly, fostering through agricultural development, not only in terms of commodity production but also in terms of value added crops, the much needed economic and social development of the rural areas and thereby an effective means to combat poverty.


The Government of Mauritius is wholly committed to overcoming these challenges in the near future and will spare no effort to ensure that the whole population have access to their daily requirement of adequate food.


The Government is also committed to creating and sustaining the enabling political, social and economic environment which is an essential foundation to give adequate priority to food security and poverty eradication.


The Parliamentarian | 2015: Issue Two | 93


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