Publicité
Saving sugar cane cultivation to keep jobs
Par
Partager cet article
Saving sugar cane cultivation to keep jobs
Small planters might suffer a lot in the near future if nothing is done to help them. The agro-economic study on difficult areas under sugar cane, published by the Mauritius Sugar Industry Research Industry (MSIRI), points at the impact of the drop in sugar export prices on difficult areas – especially mountain slopes. But the giving up of such areas would have dramatic consequences for small planters, according to the report.
The total losses for planters and seasonal workers have been estimated at Rs 261 million. There are 3,443 small planters in such regions. Their plots of land will no longer be viable as soon as sugar export prices start decreasing.
Large impact</B>
But the consequences might not affect small planters only. The whole industry may suffer the drawbacks of giving up these difficult plots of land. This new situation will lead to the reduction of sugar production and production of bagasse to generate electricity and molasses used for making ethanol. The annual production of sugar in these areas is estimated at about 32,500 tons.
But other people are also involved – indirectly – in sugar cane cultivation. For instance, those dealing with transport may suffer the consequences of such a decision as well as the whole village or community near these sugar cane fields.
Besides ensuring a balanced socio-economic situation, the cultivation of sugar cane has always been important to preserve the environment. “The disappearance of sugar cane culture will lead to erosion affecting the lagoon with consequences for fishing and tourism. Direct and indirect jobs will also be affected, as we know that, in the tourist sector, each direct job leads to two indirect ones. Both tourist and fishing sectors should feel concerned by this report,” commented MSIRI director, Jean-Claude Autrey.
According to him, it is important that the sugar industry should face its responsibility and try to save the socio-economic situation as far as possible. He recommends that financial assistance be granted to all planters wishing to renew their cultivation on their plots of land. Planters should be given the possibility of continuing their job – even if this implies that they would no longer cultivate sugar cane.
Everyone should agree on the necessity of maintaining sugar cane in all possible areas. The more so as other sectors – particularly tourism – should benefit from this situation at the end of the day.
Publicité
Publicité
Les plus récents
