Labour Crisis: Arvin Boolell Announces Introduction of 1,000 Foreign Workers

With the aim to tackle the pressing labour shortage that is gripping the sugar industry, Arvin Boolell, the Minister for Agro-industry, has announced plans to import 1,000 foreign workers. This announcement came during the 64th Annual General Meeting of the Mauritius Cooperative Agricultural Federation Ltd (MCAF) held yesterday in Réduit.

The minister revealed that negotiations are currently underway with the High Commission of India to facilitate this significant influx of workers, who will primarily be deployed in sugar cane fields.

“The lack of skilled labour is a genuine concern,” Boolell stated.

“I have spoken with the High Commissioner of India and the Minister of Labour regarding this matter.

We have no choice; we must import at least 1,000 workers from India solely for the sugar cane sector, aside from the agro-industry,” he affirmed.

Adding to the optimism, Boolell relayed the Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam’s commitment to securing a price of Rs 35,000 per tonne of sugar for local planters.

“We have urged the Mauritius Cane Industry to collaborate with the Sugar Syndicate to ensure market stability. Progress is being made,” he said, emphasizing the importance of enhanced added value within the sugar industry.

Reflecting on the historical context, Boolell lamented:

“There was a time when we produced 600,000 tonnes of sugar.

Over the years, we have lost around 8,000 hectares of agricultural land, and the labour force has dwindled from 9,000 to 10,000.”

With current production standing at a mere 225,000 tonnes, he pointed to the challenges posed by falling sugar prices and the dismantling of the sugar protocol.

The government’s current policy is aiming to revitalise the planting community, but this hinges fundamentally on securing adequate labour.

“Many people are unwilling to work in the sugar industry. However, following discussions with India, we can see light at the end of the tunnel for our labour issues in this sector,” Boolell asserted.

He stressed the need for planters to assess the potential of their land and the pressing need for improved production practices, diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workforce.

“Everyone must contribute; we cannot separate the corporate sector from our planters,” he implored.

Boolell assured that there is a guaranteed domestic market for planters and hinted at a potential review of the pricing ratio for bagasse, belonging to the planters.

Junior Minister for Agro-industry, Fabrice David, echoed Boolell’s concerns, noting that several sectors are currently suffering from local labour shortages.

“While there is potential for mechanisation in the sugar sector, financial and logistical hurdles are stalling progress,” he admitted.

In a celebratory note, MCAF President Kamlesh Seeam revealed that the federation would celebrate its 75th anniversary this August.

He highlighted that fields unsuitable for mechanisation will be filled by foreign workers starting in the 2025 harvest season, underscoring the urgency of addressing labour shortages in the face of the industry’s evolving landscape.

Source: Le Mauricien