LocationsSustainable Agriculture and Livestock Production: Field Day and Launch of a Dedicated Booklet Organized under the SLM Project
May 22, 2026
Launch of a new booklet entitled “Sustainable Land Management (SLM) Practices for Fodder Production” under the GEF-funded Sustainable Land Management Project.
Government officials, farmers, private sector representatives, development partners and other stakeholders from the agriculture and livestock sectors gathered on Thursday 21 May 2026 at the Curepipe Livestock Research Station for a field day and the launch of a new booklet entitled “Sustainable Land Management (SLM) Practices for Fodder Production.”
The event was organized by the Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (FAREI) under the Global Environment Facility (GEF)-funded, UNDP-supported project “Mainstreaming Sustainable Land Management and Biodiversity Conservation in the Republic of Mauritius.”
The field day provided participants with the opportunity to explore sustainable technologies and practical solutions developed by FAREI to support climate-resilient fodder and livestock production systems. Demonstrations included fodder production methods, composting systems, rainwater harvesting technologies, solar-powered irrigation systems, rotational grazing and cattle management practices.
Speaking at the event, Dr the Hon Arvin Boolell, Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, emphasized the urgency of transforming agricultural systems in the face of climate uncertainty and rising production costs. The Minister also called for stronger collaboration among farmers, institutions and stakeholders to accelerate the adoption of sustainable and technology-driven agricultural practices.
Also addressing participants at the event, the UNDP Resident Representative for Mauritius and Seychelles, Ms Alka Bhatia, underlined the importance of translating environmental commitments into practical action on the ground.
“Today’s event is not only about showcasing technologies; it is about demonstrating how innovation, partnership, and science can converge to transform agricultural systems in a way that protects both livelihoods and the environment.”
She further emphasized the importance of scaling up successful approaches and ensuring long-term adoption.
“The true success of this initiative will not only be measured by the achievements at these sites, but by the extent to which these practices are adopted more widely and integrated into national systems, policies, and value chains.”
Joining the Minister and the UNDP Resident Representative in highlighting the importance of practical and scalable solutions for sustainable agriculture, Dr Madhvee Madoo, CEO of FAREI, noted that the project translates sustainable land management principles into concrete field actions. These include the rehabilitation of fodder plantations, improvement of composting systems and installation of rainwater harvesting technologies to support more resilient livestock production systems.
Scaling Up Sustainable Land Management Practices Across Mauritius
The SLM project is implemented by the Government of Mauritius with support from the United Nations Development Programme and funding from the Global Environment Facility. It seeks to mainstream sustainable land management principles into national policies and productive sectors such as agriculture, livestock and forestry.
The initiative also aims to strengthen institutional capacities, improve soil health and water efficiency, conserve biodiversity within production landscapes and enhance the resilience of agro-ecosystems to climate variability and change.
Under Component 2 of the project - “Implementing SLM measures technologies for improved management and conservation of forest, agricultural and grazing ecosystems” - FAREI implemented a project focused on conservation agriculture and improved livestock technologies through the establishment of demonstration sites.
The initiative promotes integrated crop-livestock production systems in which crop and livestock waste are converted into compost and reintegrated into agricultural systems to improve soil fertility and support sustainable fodder production.
Three demonstration sites were established across Mauritius:
- The Curepipe Livestock Research Station focused on rehabilitating fodder plantations, upgrading composting systems and installing rainwater harvesting infrastructure for irrigation during dry periods.
- The Mapou Model Farm was upgraded with composting facilities, fodder plantations and water-saving irrigation systems.
- The Petit Merlo Silvopastoral Farm introduced rotational grazing systems, rainwater harvesting ponds, electric paddocking systems and integrated fodder and tree plantations.
The project has also supported training programmes, field days and knowledge-sharing activities targeting farmers and extension officers to encourage wider adoption of sustainable practices.
The event concluded with guided visits to the demonstration plots and technical installations, providing participants with practical insights into sustainable land management solutions that can contribute to a more resilient, productive and environmentally sustainable agricultural sector in Mauritius.