I thank the hon. Member for this question. Madam Speaker, from information obtained from Statistics Mauritius, the importation of vegetables over the past few years has increased from 25,000 tonnes to 25,280 tonnes in 2023, to 34,644 tonnes in 2024, representing an increase by 37% within a single year. However, the rising trend can be attributed to adverse climate conditions that the country has had to face such as cyclone Belal in 2024. The larger shares of these imports comprise potatoes, onions, garlics, which are strategic crops. The biggest suppliers of imported produce are from Egypt, India,

40 Netherlands, and China. Imported vegetables serve niche markets such as the hospitality sector and also to palliate to shortages which occur when cultivations are affected by adverse climatic conditions, namely cyclones, flash floods and droughts. Additionally, potatoes and onions are imported as they cannot be cultivated year-round due to our agro-climatic condition. For the year 2025, Madam Speaker, despite a low start due to the prolonged dry spell, the forecasted local production of vegetables is estimated at 179,210 tonnes. This will be sufficient to meet local demand, except for strategic crops like potatoes and onions, for which the Agricultural Marketing Board is expecting to import some 13,000 tonnes each to cater for on-season shortages. Madam Speaker, to make Mauritius food secure nation, the measures enunciated in the Budget for consolidation of the agricultural sector speak for themselves and action is being accordingly. There is a whole set of incentives that I will circulate to the hon. Member.

Thank you very much, Minister. Yes, Mr Rookny!

Madam Speaker, can the Minister, taking into consideration the current detailed prices of carrots and tomatoes which are, presently, standing at approximately Rs200 per kilo and Rs320 per kilo, respectively, advise whether his Ministry will consider the liberalisation of the importation of vegetables, with a view to better match supply with demand and thereby help bring down the price of vegetables on the local market?

I am for liberalisation, subject that there is regularity and predictability but you know as well as I do that some growers – I would not say that they are unscrupulous – are involved in price fixing. I, together with my colleagues, MPs from the Constituency No. 18, make it a point to go to the market on Saturday, to the Market Fair in Quatre Bornes; and as and when I have available time, I also go to the Central Market in Port Louis. I am not saying that the prices are as high as the figures you have cited and given but, certainly, if ever, there are unscrupulous growers taking advantage on fleecing consumers, the matter can also be referred to the Minister responsible for consumer.

Thank you, Minister. I think it is now Dr. Ms Thannoo, Second Member for Quartier Militaire and Moka.

41 CLEANER’S POST – AMENDMENT IN LEGISLATION – ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA