On 13th July 2023, FAREI organised a restitution workshop in connection to bean seeds in the bean value chain in Mauritius, at the Voilà Hotel in Bagatelle.
Its aim was to deliberate and validate the findings of a survey report on the bean sector conducted in 2022. The objective was to generate recommendations for enhancing the contribution of the bean seed sector to food security.
In her address, the Senior Chief Executive of the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security, Mrs Moheenee Nathoo, recalled that this regional project which is coordinated regionally by the CIRAD is funded by the European Union and benefits from the support of the PREASN project led by SANOI for the period 2021-2025. She remarked that beans are effective source of protein, vitamins and minerals and are widely consumed in Mauritius.
She added that the importation of pulses amounts to 13 000 tons to the tune of Rs. 390.7 million and that 80% of our demand for beans seeds is imported. She highlighted that with the increase in the costs of imports, inter alia, it is important that we boost up production of bean seeds locally in order to cater for our local needs.
The Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Micheline Seenevassen Pillay recalled that the Ministry together with FAREI celebrated the international say of pulses during which emphasis was laid on beans which represent only 9% of our requirements of pulses.
Mrs Pillay emphasised that FAREI has introduced more than 200 varieties of beans and released a biofortified bean variety Ferrina which is rich in iron and zinc. This variety has been found to be promising for cultivation locally. She informed that some 350 kg of its seeds have been produced in collaboration with the Agricultural Services and that some seeds have been given to Comoros and Seychelles for testing..
During the workshop, the findings of the bean seed value chain were validated and after a brainstorming session an action plan was devised to increase the production of bean seed to reach a minimum of 2 tonnes annually by end of 2025.
