Six New Grant Schemes to Support the Cooperative Sector

On Thursday, November 27, 2025, the Ministry of Industry, SMEs, and Cooperatives launched six grant schemes for the financial year 2025-2026. The ceremony took place at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation, located in Côte d’Or Technopole, marking the conclusion of the International Year of Cooperatives.

During his speech, Minister Aadil Ameer Meea celebrated the 112-year history of the cooperative movement in Mauritius, which began in 1913 with the establishment of the first small sugarcane growers' society. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting cooperatives through technical, institutional, and financial assistance.

"The six grant schemes aim to enhance productivity, encourage digitalization, promote sustainable agriculture, and improve the energy efficiency of cooperatives," explained the minister. He added that the allocation of grants will be conducted fairly, based on clear criteria and various committees responsible for selecting the most deserving beneficiaries.

The six new grant schemes are as follows:

• Boost to Local Production Scheme: Up to Rs 300,000 for the purchase of agricultural and food equipment.

• Livestock Production Scheme: Up to Rs 200,000 to encourage livestock farming within cooperatives.

• Zero Budget Natural Farming Scheme: Up to Rs 200,000 to support the production of organic fertilizers (Jiwamrita).

• Seedlings Production Scheme: Rs 250,000 for seedling production.

• Digitalization Scheme: Rs 100,000 for digitizing operations.

• Energy Efficiency Scheme: Rs 100,000 to reduce energy consumption, based on a study conducted on 29 cooperatives.

Important Note: The deadline for submitting applications is January 13, 2026. The government will fund up to 80% of the total project cost for each scheme.