World Food Forum: Dr. Arvin Boolell Emphasizes Research to Promote Local Products

The national launch of the World Food Forum (WFF) in Mauritius, aimed at enhancing youth engagement in food systems, took place on May 9, 2026, with the presence of the Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy, and Fisheries, Dr. Arvin Boolell, at the Holiday Inn Mauritius in Mon Trésor.

The event, an initiative of the Grand River South East Youth Circle in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, brought together representatives from ministries, international organizations, youth leaders, and key stakeholders.

Dr. Arvin Boolell highlighted the importance of research and development within the agricultural sector to promote local products. He stressed the urgency of boosting local production to enhance food security and reduce reliance on imports amid the current crisis in the Middle East.

He also encouraged more young people to engage in agricultural entrepreneurship and called for increased investment in quality research, innovation, and technology to support the sustainable development of the sector. As part of the forum, a group of youth from the Grand River South East Youth Circle will undertake a series of agricultural projects over a period of six months with technical support from the United Nations and the FAO.