Madam Speaker, let me at the outset, emphasise that my Ministry remains fully committed to supporting Rodrigues in its efforts to strengthen food security and improve the sustainability of its livestock sector. I recently engaged in constructive discussions with Commissioner Mr Louis Ange Perrine, the Commissioner of Agriculture in the Rodrigues Regional Assembly, to explore collaborative ways of facilitating this matter. Madam Speaker, we are aware that Rodrigues did face challenges in the supply of animal feed, particularly during the period December 2024 to January 2025. I am informed that these

46 difficulties were largely due to a combination of factors, including supply disruption from a key mainland producer, limited storage capacity on the island, gaps in demands, planning for peak periods, and end of year shipping delays. I am further informed that the situation has now improved. Since March this year, the supply of animal feed has stabilised with even a surplus reported in June 2025. Nevertheless, my Ministry recognises the need for a more structured and resilient supply framework going forward. Madam Speaker, I am further informed that there are presently 142 different types of animal feed available on the Rodrigues market, catering to various animal species. With your permission, Madam Speaker, I will table the list of these 142 types of animal feed. This diversity, while reflecting other needs of local livestock, presents certain logistical challenges in terms of importation and storage which would require a more coordinated and streamlined approach. In this context, my Ministry, in collaboration with the Rodrigues Regional Assembly, will explore all possibilities. Through this collaborative approach, we aim to promote better planning and strengthen market linkages in a manner that would ultimately benefit Rodrigues breeders and which will ensure both continuity of supply and price stability in the livestock sector in Rodrigues. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you, hon. Minister. Yes, hon. Edouard!

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the hon. Minister please consider to have a bigger warehouse in Rodrigues?

Madam Speaker, we will have to work on it. If funds are available, we will consider.

Yes, hon. François!

Madam Speaker, being given that the import of the 142-animal feed fluctuates and it depends on the shelf life and the quantity of live animals also in Rodrigues, will

47 the hon. Minister be agreeable to ensure that his Ministry and the Ministry of Shipping guarantee enough containers whenever required by local importers to avoid any shortage thereat?

We will work with the Ministry of Shipping.

Very good. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Time is moving. The First Member Port-Louis Maritime and Port Louis East, hon. Juman! ROCHE BOIS COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE – PROJECT STATUS