President James Michel visited several areas of the agricultural sector this morning, including the old and new laboratories at Grand Anse, the Research Centre Anse Boileau, Roucou’s farm at Anse Boileau, Jojo’s farm and Jean-Paul Geffroy farms at Anse Royale. The visit forms part of a series of visits to work places the President will undertake this year.

The President said that the visit was an opportunity to see what is happening in the agricultural sector which is also a pillar of the economy, see the level of improvement of the different measures put in place and how this sector can move forward in its development. He said that the Research Centre holds the key for future development in that sector

“The Research Centre should  make further studies and see how best to develop plants that can easily adapt to the our climate especially with the change in climate as well as our soil in order to have a variety of plants for more harvesting,” said the President.

Mr. Michel added that he was encouraged by the progress seen on the different farms he has visited and commended the entrepreneurs and farmers for their hard work. He noted that this visit has given him hope for the future seeing the work being done by the government to improve this sector and how the farmers have introduced innovations to continue to develop.  

“Everyone involved in this sector should join hands in partnership and take ownership of the agricultural sector, whereby the government, agencies, entrepreneurs and farmers should work together to see how best to develop this pillar of our economy. The government will continue to give its support and listen to the farmers with their initiatives and as a key source to solutions,” said President Michel.

The President said that the government is doing its best to give more loans to entrepreneurs especially smaller businesses, particularly for agriculture and fishing. He remarked that the country needs to continue to encourage the small businesses so that they can invest and succeed also.

The entrepreneurs and farmers expressed their gratitude for meeting the President, where they have been able to discuss their challenges and innovations, to give better service to the public.

The President said there should be better collaboration between the Ministries, the Research Centre as well as the private sector in order to address any weaknesses and encouraged the young people to take up a career in agriculture and specialise in that field for the betterment of the country.

Editor’s Note

-          The President was accompanied on the visit by the Mr. Peter Sinon, Minister for Natural Resources and Industry, Mr. Michael Nalletamby, Principal Secretary for Natural Resources and Industry, Mr. Antoine Marie Moustache, Special Advisor to Minister Sinon, Mr. Marc Naiken, Chief Executive Officer to the Seychelles Agricultural Agency, Mr. Gilbert Port-Louis, Director of Agricultural Expansion Services, Mrs. Linetta Joubert-Estico, Director of planning, Mr. Keven Nancy, Director of Research and Development, Mr. Barry Nourrice, Senior Laboratory Technician, Mr. Randy Stravens, Director for Plant Protection Services, Mr. Wills Dogley, Manager of Livestock and plant protection services and Dr. Christelle Dailoo, Vet and Principal Officer for livestock development and research and officials from the Office of the President and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Industry.

 -          Today is also the ‘World Hunger Day’.