Young Farmers in Mauritius: Interest Is Growing, But Obstacles Remain

More young people in Mauritius — including university graduates — are showing interest in farming. But according to Amar Beegoo, a figure in the local agricultural sector, enthusiasm alone is not enough to build a sustainable new generation of planters. "Since last year, I've noticed a real interest from young people in agriculture, particularly in hydroponics, with significant growth in the surface area dedicated to this type of cultivation," Beegoo said. Hydroponics — the practice of growing plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water — has gained traction among younger Mauritian farmers who see it as a modern, space-efficient alternative to traditional field cultivation. **Training Gap Is a Real Concern** Despite this enthusiasm, Beegoo notes that relatively few young farmers are taking advantage of formal training programmes offered by the Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (FAREI), the government body responsible for agricultural research and extension services in Mauritius. FAREI offers courses in hydroponic production and pesticide application, among other subjects. Instead, many young planters are turning to social media for advice — picking up tips from online videos and posts, then applying them directly to their crops. Beegoo sees this as a risk, particularly when it comes to pesticide use. Incorrect or uninformed application can harm crops, soil, and consumers. He is urging young farmers to seek proper accredited training rather than rely solely on digital content. **On-the-Ground Challenges** Beyond training, the structural challenges facing Mauritian farmers remain steep: - **Falling wholesale prices**: At certain times of year, the price paid for vegetables at the wholesale market can fall below the actual cost of producing them, leaving small farmers at a loss. - **Water restrictions**: Irrigation limitations — whether due to supply constraints or regulatory restrictions — complicate day-to-day farming operations, particularly in drier regions of the island. - **Unpredictable weather**: Beegoo also points to the impact of climate conditions on harvests. A prolonged winter season and a delayed transition to warmer months have disrupted growing cycles for some crops. **What This Means** Mauritius imports a significant portion of its food, and local agriculture has long struggled to attract younger workers who often prefer more urban or service-sector careers. The uptick in youth interest — especially around modern techniques like hydroponics — is a positive signal for food security and local production. But if the sector cannot address water access, price instability and skills development, that interest risks fading before it translates into a lasting generational shift. FAREI's training programmes exist precisely to bridge this gap, but outreach and uptake clearly need to improve. Policymakers and agricultural bodies may need to rethink how they engage young farmers — meeting them where they already are, including online. Source: ION News