the Britannia Organic project, he will state where matters stand as to the work in progress thereof, indicat…
(No. B/172) Dr. Ms R. Daureeawo (Third Member for Rivière des Anguilles & Souillac) asked the Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries whether, in regard to the Britannia Organic project, he will state where matters stand as to the work in progress thereof, indicating the amount of fund invested in the project to date.
Reply: Following a call for Expression of Interest launched in 2016 in respect of the Britannia Organic Zone covering around 66 arpents, 10 promoters were selected, and each was allocated a plot of land ranging from 3.8 arpents to 5 arpents, against payment of an annual rental fee of Rs1,000 per arpent for organic farming. The project was launched on 28 February 2017, and lease agreements were signed with the selected promoters. Out of the Rs20 million earmarked for the Financial Year 2016-2017 for the setting up of modern comprehensive infrastructure, only some Rs5 million has been spent on the project up to 18 March 2025 in respect of general expenses and facilities such as – (i) preliminary land preparation works, other administrative costs and the drilling of a borehole, which was dry; (ii) connection of the organic zone to the Central Electricity Board grid, and (iii) launching ceremony of the organic zone. Only three promoters are still active on site. The project, in its actual form, cannot be endorsed as it is not sustainable. It will have to be revised. FOREIGN WORKERS – DORMITORIES – SURFACE AREA & AMENITIES