17,450 Tonnes of Sugarcane Destroyed in Mauritius Field Fires
MP Arvin Boolell has revealed that field fires have burned through 17,450 tonnes of sugarcane in Mauritius, raising fresh concerns about the sector.
Mauritius has lost 17,450 tonnes of sugarcane to field fires, according to figures cited by Arvin Boolell, a prominent opposition Member of Parliament and long-standing voice on agricultural issues in the country.
Boolell, who represents the Labour Party and has historically scrutinised the sugar industry closely, raised the figure publicly to highlight the scale of damage being inflicted on one of Mauritius's oldest and most symbolically important agricultural sectors.
Sugarcane fires are a recurring problem in Mauritius, particularly during the dry season between July and November when harvesting is underway and conditions are ripe for fires to spread quickly across fields. Fires can be accidental, caused by sparks from machinery or burning debris nearby, but deliberate arson in cane fields has also been reported in past years, making attribution a complex matter for authorities.
The sugar industry, once the backbone of the Mauritian economy, has declined significantly in recent decades due to falling global sugar prices, EU preferential trade agreement reforms, and labour shortages. However, it remains an important rural livelihood for many Mauritians and contributes to the island's bagasse-based energy production — sugarcane waste is used to generate electricity, meaning crop losses also have an indirect impact on the energy supply chain.
MSPA (Mauritius Sugar Producers Association) and the government's Agricultural Research and Extension Unit (AREU) typically monitor crop losses across the island's main cane-growing districts, which span areas such as Flacq, Rivière du Rempart, and Savanne.
What this means: A loss of 17,450 tonnes is a significant blow to planters, particularly small and medium-scale growers who rely on each season's harvest for their annual income. Unlike large sugar estates that may have insurance or diversified revenue, smaller planters bear the brunt of fire damage directly. Each tonne lost translates to lost revenue from both sugar production and bagasse energy generation. If the fires are found to be deliberate, they could also carry serious criminal consequences for those responsible.
Boolell's public disclosure of the figure is likely intended to pressure the government to accelerate investigations, improve field monitoring, and ensure affected planters receive appropriate compensation or relief. The matter is expected to draw further parliamentary attention.
Source: Le Defi Media
Frequently Asked Questions
How do sugarcane field fires affect Mauritius farmers?−
Sugarcane fires directly reduce the harvestable crop, cutting into planters' annual income. Small and medium growers in districts like Flacq and Rivière du Rempart are especially vulnerable as they typically lack the insurance coverage of large estates. Burned cane must be harvested quickly or the sugar content deteriorates further, adding logistical pressure during an already demanding season.
Who is Arvin Boolell and why does he speak on sugar issues in Mauritius?−
Arvin Boolell is a Labour Party Member of Parliament and a veteran politician who has long championed agricultural and rural issues in Mauritius. He has previously served as Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security, giving him deep expertise in the sugar sector and making him a credible voice when raising concerns about crop losses or industry challenges.
Is sugarcane still economically important to Mauritius?−
While sugar's share of Mauritius's GDP has shrunk dramatically since the 1970s, the industry still supports thousands of rural jobs and contributes to the national energy grid through bagasse — a fibrous byproduct of crushed sugarcane used in power generation. The Mauritius Sugar Producers Association (MSPA) and government bodies like AREU continue to support the sector.
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