The Success of the 'Youth Farming Project' Shows That Young People Still Believe in Agriculture
A strong emphasis was placed on youth empowerment and sustainable agriculture through the 'Youth Farming Project' during a certificate and awards ceremony held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the Chinese Cultural Center in Bell Village, attended by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Deven Nagalingum.
This initiative, organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports in collaboration with the Farmers in Agriculture, Livestock, Cooperative and Organic Network (FALCON) Association, and supported by partners such as the Chinese Cultural Center and the Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (FAREI), aims to promote agro-ecological farming practices among young people.
Also present at the event were Dana Chengen, Vice President of the FALCON Association, Mr. Yang Jun, Director of the Chinese Cultural Center, representatives from partner institutions, educators, young participants, and other dignitaries.
The 'Youth Farming Project' brought together around 280 young participants from various educational and social institutions, including Mahatma Gandhi High School, Moka; Mont Roche Training Center; Mapou State Secondary School; Étoile de Mer, Roche Noire; Mohun Parsad Sharma Jugdambi State Secondary School; the Mauritian Mental Health Association; Trèfles; and the Angel Special School and Rivière des Anguilles Charity Association.
As part of the project, participants attended a series of theoretical and practical training sessions organized from June 2, 2025, to February 27, 2026, at the FALCON Model Farm Training Center in Terre Rouge. The training modules focused on various aspects of agro-ecological agriculture, including kitchen gardening, composting, innovative vegetable cultivation techniques, greenhouse farming, mushroom production, beekeeping, aquaponics, hydroponics, organic farming, and the misuse and impacts of pesticides. Field visits, practical demonstrations, and outdoor gardening activities were also organized to provide participants with experiential learning opportunities.
During the ceremony, certificates were awarded to participants upon the successful completion of the Agro-Ecological Farm Project, while prizes were given for outstanding kitchen gardening projects. A video presentation showcasing the projects completed by participants throughout the training period was also screened.
