Every year, the 16th of October marks the celebration of the World Food Day, which is the commemorative date of the creation of the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in 1945. The mission statement of the FAO was to alleviate famine and hunger after the World War II, which were of pandemic proportion.

Over the years, the FAO focused on diverse thrusts, aiming at fighting hunger and malnutrition. Rightly for this year the theme of the World Food Day was “Our actions are our future – Better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life”.

In this context, the Ministry of Agro Industry and Food Security, in collaboration with other agricultural institutions celebrated the World Food Day in the northern village of Plaines des Papayes. The theme customised was “Manz seki nou prodwir, prodwir seki nou manzer” with focus on the consumption of our traditional ethnic foods. Emphasis was laid on a sustainable agri-food system ensuring sufficient, nutritious and safe food for every citizen.

To mark the function, the Minister of Agro Industry and Food Security, Honorable Maneesh Gobin inaugurated the agricultural exhibition, the agro processing corner and the sale of produce as well. He also launched two agricultural schemes for the farming community concerning the “Acquisition of Solar Powered Cold Room” and the “Refund on Sheltered Farming Plastic Cover/Net Scheme”. Furthermore, two videos on judicious use of pesticide and on bee-keeping were released.

The celebration culminated with a culinary competition based on traditional food, which gained a lot of interest across the region. The nine winners of the three categories, (starter, main dish and dessert) were rewarded with substantial cash prize. In addition, to promote household gardening, starter kits were distributed to all the participants of the culinary competition together with other beneficiaries of the region.

Considering the positive response that the event had in the region of Plaines des Papayes, we can claim that the World Food Day 2021 was a real success, leaving a very feel good factor within the community.