Vitagrain signs 2nd MOA with Mauritian authorities for 500 ha of land
March 24, 2009
A Memorandum of Agreement was signed this morning between Vita Grain Pte Ltd and Rose Belle Sugar Estate for the setting up of a hybrid rice seed industry in Mauritius. The ceremony took place in presence of the Minister of Agro Industry, Food Production and Security, Mr. Satish Faugoo.
Through this Agreement 500 hectares of land will be released by the Rose Belle Sugar Estate for the development of a hybrid rice seed industry in Mauritius. The Singapore based company Vita Grain Pte Ltd possesses innovative knowledge and expertise for the cultivation of non-hybrid and hybrid rice seed with specialised traits such as low glycemic index hybrid cereal. It uses advanced growing techniques so as to promote the improvement of nutrition and food security in both developing and developed countries.
Some 1 000 hectares are required for the implementation of this project which will also take on board small holders in the future. Mauritius has been opted by the Vita Company for various reasons such as its economic and political stability, its pest and disease free environment and its strategic location.
The Agreement is the second one signed between Vita Grain Group and Mauritian authorities. The first one was signed for the setting up of a hybrid seed rice production centre which involves the Mauritius Sugar Industry Research Institute (MSIRI) and the Agricultural Research Extension Unit (AREU). The creation of this centre in Mauritius will enable these Institutes to further develop research and study into hybrid rice lines and other food crops, thus positioning our country as a regional powerhouse for hybrid seed research in the future.