Yes, my apologies, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, with regard to part (a) of the question, I'm informed that the use of pesticides in Mauritius and Rodrigues is regulated under the Use of Pesticides Act 2018. This Act, which is enforced by the Pesticides Regulatory Office of the Ministry, provides a comprehensive legal framework governing the proper use, handling and disposal of pesticides. The legislation is aligned with international standards and best practices and aims to safeguard public health and the environment from the potential risks associated with pesticide use. With regard to part (b) of the question, I am informed by the agricultural services of the Ministry that regular monitoring and inspection exercises are carried out by the Pesticides Regulatory Office to ensure compliance with established norms. The office also develops strategies for the sound use and management of pesticides with a view to reducing risks associated with their use and has devised a comprehensive code of practice. The code of practice covers inter alia the responsibilities of pesticide users, guidance on when to use pesticides, interpretation of pesticide labels, safety precaution during use, and requirements relating to the storage, mixing and application and transportation of pesticides. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am informed that the Food and Agricultural Research Extension Institute has been implementing continuous training and sensitisation programme on the safe and judicious use of pesticides since 2002. To date, over 6,400 farmers have benefited from these programmes. This has been complemented by extensive field advisory services with some 15,000 or more visits carried out to guide planters on proper pesticide use and pesticide diagnosis. Following the proclamation of the Use of Pesticides Act in 2018, I am informed that additional structured training courses have been delivered to more than 1,700 planters, thereby further strengthening capacity in the responsible handling and application of pesticides. These efforts are further supported by a wide range of extension materials and media outreach initiatives covering integrated pest management alternatives to chemical control and of course good agricultural practices including the MauriGAP programme. Now, in order, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, to further strengthen the enforcement of the Use of Pesticides Act, the Ministry is collaborating with the United Nations Development Programme and the Attorney General's Office to finalise four regulations under the Act. In this context, my Ministry has organised a validation workshop on the four draft Pesticides Regulations on 06 May 2026 with the participation of 75 stakeholders from the public and private sectors, regulatory institutions, growers, importers of agricultural produce, agrochemicals and technical experts. These Regulations will, inter alia, provide for the control of pesticide use with respect to maximum residue level on harvested produce, establish guidelines for the sampling of agricultural commodities and set out requirements relating to the mixing of pesticides and the training of pesticide applicators. My Ministry, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, remains committed to continuously strengthening pesticide governance to protect public health, preserve the environment and ensure the safety and quality of agricultural produce.

Hon. Edouard!

Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir. May I ask the hon. Minister, is there any collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Health to study if there is any relation to the rise in cancer cases with the use of pesticides in agriculture? Thank you.

Certainly, this question has been raised, flagged, flogged, but it is very difficult to establish clearly whether there is a link. Although, if I refer to the number of cases referred to hospital, there may be. But as of now, I have gone through literature, to establish fully that there is a link is yet to be determined. But, certainly, it cannot be ruled out.

Hon. Ms J. Bérenger!

Je vous remercie. Dans un contexte où le Directeur de l'audit regrette lui-même que les contrôles soient insuffisants, que les sanctions par rapport à l'utilisation excessive de pesticides soient inexistantes, est-ce que réduire les effectifs du Pesticide Regulatory Office ne revient pas à exposer davantage la population à des produits potentiellement dangereux ?

There is always room for improvement. One of the shortcomings is effectively the shortage of officers and this matter is being addressed in a very forceful manner. Secondly, I must say, since some time, the lab has been out of order because of unavailability of spare parts. It is only now that the technician from South Africa is coming to Mauritius to ensure that spare parts are available to repair the lab. And thirdly, in the meantime, we are not leaving any stone unturned. We are sending samples, or what we call the ‘dues’ to a laboratory in Egypt.

The hon. Third Member for Vieux Grand Port & Rose Belle. FLEET MANAGEMENT SYSTEM – IMPLEMENTATION