Dr. Arvin Boolell Encourages Youth to Take Over the Tea Sector

Approximately 300 small tea growers enrolled in the Tea Sector Support Program received free distribution of calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) fertilizer during a ceremony held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Dhanush Hall in Nouvelle France.

This initiative was organized by the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy, and Fisheries, in collaboration with the Small Farmers Welfare Fund (SFWF). It aims to support tea cultivation and improve productivity among small tea producers.

The Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy, and Fisheries, Dr. Arvin Boolell; the Deputy Minister, Fabrice David; the Deputy Minister of Health and Wellbeing, Mrs. Anishta Babooram; the president of the SFWF, Mahendrah Goonniah; along with other dignitaries were present at the ceremony.

Established to support the tea sector, the Tea Sector Support Program provides free fertilizers annually to registered small tea growers, including independent growers, cooperative members, and sharecroppers. Under the program, NPK fertilizer (22:7:7) is provided at a rate of 175 kg per acre, while calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) is supplied at 100 kg per acre. These inputs help growers fertilize their fields and enhance tea leaf production. NPK fertilizer is applied annually between September and October, while CAN is applied between January and February.

In his speech, Dr. Arvin Boolell emphasized the significance of the tea sector in Mauritius, stating that it remains a sector with great potential that needs revitalization. He noted that several countries, including England and China, have ventured into tea production and insisted that the government is taking all necessary measures to revitalize the agricultural sector.

The minister also highlighted the need to encourage greater participation from younger generations to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector.

Addressing concerns related to the quantity and quality of tea, Dr. Arvin Boolell acknowledged the current labor shortage but reassured growers that solutions are being explored to tackle this challenge. According to him, agricultural practices should not remain stagnant but should evolve through innovation and modernization. He urged growers to adopt a forward-thinking mentality and embrace modern techniques to further develop and strengthen the tea sector in Mauritius.

For his part, Fabrice David reiterated the government's commitment to supporting small tea growers in enhancing both the quantity and quality of their production. He emphasized that the government has invested around Rs 40 million for small growers, including Rs 20 million allocated for the winter allowance, while fully subsidized fertilizers represent an expenditure of approximately Rs 8.5 million. "These initiatives provide growers with the necessary resources to improve productivity and further strengthen the tea sector," he added.