Audit Exposes Critical Concerns Across Agriculture, Fisheries & Food Safety Oversight

A scathing new audit has condemned the “ineffective” oversight of pesticide use in the agro-industrial sector, revealing that contaminated produce is reaching markets because authorities are unable to identify or penalize offending farmers.

The report highlights a systemic breakdown in food safety protocols. Investigators found pesticide residues exceeding legal limits in multiple samples, yet a lack of proper data meant the growers responsible could not be traced.

Even when farmers were identified, the audit noted they were merely issued “Improvement Notices” rather than fines.

A pervasive lack of follow-up means that even repeat offenders escape financial penalties, leaving the regulatory system toothless.

Infrastructure and Production Stagnation

The audit paints a grim picture of the domestic livestock and farming sectors. Bovine production has stalled, largely because no breeding stock has been imported since September 2020 due to the absence of a functional quarantine unit.

Furthermore, the Melrose Cattle Reproduction Farm—a project that cost MUR 95 million and launched in late 2019—is reportedly operating well below its intended capacity.

Similar neglect was found at the St-Martin pig breeding unit, where land leases for several breeders have been allowed to expire.

Arable land remains underutilised, leading to a decline in overall crop yields. Officials have cited a chronic labor shortage as a primary cause, alongside insufficient seed and seedling production at state-run dedicated centers.

Metro Impact on Food Testing

In a bizarre twist, the audit reveals that the integrity of food safety testing itself is under threat. The Food Technology Laboratory in Réduit has been compromised by the proximity of the Metro Express.

Structural cracks attributed to the rail construction remain unrepaired, and vibrations from passing trains are reportedly affecting the accuracy of sensitive laboratory results. External lighting at the facility has also been damaged by the ongoing works.

Blue Economy and Fisheries

The report extends its criticism to the “Blue Economy,” noting that Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) mandated by the Fisheries Act have failed to materialise because a dedicated fund was never established. Key findings include:

• Illegal Fishing: A lack of resources and fisheries guards has hampered the fight against illegal poaching, particularly in protected zones like Balaclava.
• Resource Exploration: Despite provisions in the 2021-22 budget, a project to explore untapped resources in the Exclusive Economic Zone failed because the Ministry lacked the necessary expertise.
• Import Dependency: Local fish catches account for only 20.7% of domestic consumption, leaving the nation heavily reliant on imports.
• Unverified Spending: While MUR 384 million was spent on financial assistance and bad weather allowances for artisanal fishers in 2024-25, the audit found no evidence that the distribution of new fishing cards has actually increased production.

The Stray Dog Crisis

Finally, the Ministry was rebuked for its management of the stray dog population. With no strategic plan in place, the last official census in 2013 recorded 57,000 stray dogs out of a total population of 246,000.

By September 2025, MUR 42 million had been spent on a mass sterilization campaign covering 24,202 dogs.

However, the MSAW reported that as of May 2025, 90% of dog owners remain unregistered, further complicating efforts to control the population.

Source: Le Mauricien