the Cattle Productivity Incentive Scheme, he will state – (a) the number of applications received from Rodri…
(No. B/23) Mr J. Edouard (Fourth Member for Rodrigues) asked the Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries whether, in regard to the Cattle Productivity Incentive Scheme, he will state – (a) the number of applications received from Rodrigues breeders under the scheme as at date, and (b) if consideration will be given for the increase in the budget allocated to meet the increasing demands to benefit from the scheme.
Thank you very much, hon. Member. Madam Speaker, I am informed that the Cattle Productivity Incentive Scheme was launched in Mauritius in the year 2013 with the
50 objective of providing a grant to breeders in order to assist them in taking better care of their animals during the critical life period of a calf from day one to 3 months. The Cattle Productivity Incentive Scheme is managed by the Small Farmers Welfare Fund and provides for a cash grant of Rs15,000 as an incentive to small registered breeders for each calf that has reached the age of three months up to a maximum of 40 calves per year. Now, the overall objective is to increase cattle productivity and enhance food security. Madam Speaker, subsequently, in Financial Year 2023/2024, provision was made for the Scheme to be extended to Rodrigues as well to enable the registered breeders in Rodrigues to also benefit from the Scheme. Now, with regard to part (a) of the question, I am informed by the Small Farmers Welfare Fund that an amount of Rs1 m. was budgeted in the Financial Year 2023/2024 for Rodrigues, and 76 applications were received from breeders in respect of 138 calves for a total amount of Rs2,070,000. Out of the total of 76 applications, payment of Rs150,000 for 10 calves was made to 3 applicants in the Financial Year 2023/2024 while payment of an amount of Rs1,920,000 will be effected to 73 applicants in the financial year. Rs1 m. has been budgeted by the Rodrigues Regional Assembly in this financial year, and the remaining amount, Rs920,000 will be paid by the Small Farmers Welfare Fund. Now, as regards part (b) of the question, I wish to highlight that in accordance with the decision of the Ministry of Finance, the Scheme in respect of Rodrigues for Financial Year 2024/2025 is being implemented by the Rodrigues Regional Assembly. I am also informed that the Scheme is operated on a demand basis and additional funds can be reallocated by the Rodrigues Regional Assembly from other schemes to meet the increasing demands. According to the Rodrigues Regional Assembly, as of now, no application under the Scheme has been received, and there has been no disbursement of funds in this financial year.
Go ahead, thank you. Yes, hon. First Member for Port Louis Maritime & Port Louis East. NSLD – ARSENAL HOUSING PROJECT