Dr. Arvin Boolell: "Education is a Passport to the Future"

On April 16, 2026, a ceremony was held at Domaine Seetloo in Solferino to honor ninety-one children of registered farmers for their academic achievements. This event was organized by the Small Farmers Welfare Fund and the Agro-Industry and Food Security Division. Students who received the Primary School Achievement Certificate (PSAC), the National Certificate of Education (NCE), the Cambridge School Certificate (SC), and the Cambridge Higher School Certificate (HSC), including two award winners, were presented with cash prizes, shields, and gifts as part of the Educational Achiever Award Scheme.Dr. Arvin Boolell, the Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy, and Fisheries, was present at the event. In his speech, he congratulated the awardees for their academic excellence, emphasizing education as a powerful tool for empowerment and a passport to their futures. He noted that these young individuals will be crucial in driving Mauritius's prosperity, especially as the nation faces challenges related to a declining population and a shortage of human resources.The minister also addressed ongoing global tensions and their immediate impact on Mauritius, a net food importer. He highlighted the resulting rise in fuel prices and anticipated increases in agricultural product costs. He stressed the importance of boosting food security by maximizing local production through optimal land use. Additionally, he urged the public to alter their consumption habits by prioritizing locally available products, which he claimed would help the government reduce subsidies on imported foods.Furthermore, Dr. Arvin Boolell emphasized the vital contribution of farmers, whose skills and knowledge will be essential to advancing the government's ambitions to enhance agricultural sector performance and transition to a large-scale ocean economy.