Government committed to reviving agricultural sector |17 December 2014
As part of efforts to revive agriculture in the country, stakeholders and related partners met this week to validate the findings of an ongoing study aimed at strengthening the institutional framework of that sector.
The one-day workshop held at the International Conference Centre brought together policy makers, economists and senior technical staff of the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Seychelles Agricultural Agency (SAA), members of various farmers’ associations, representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Trade and investment, as well as other related partners.
The workshop, held under the theme ‘Strengthening Institutional Framework of National Agricultural Sector’, was also to find out whether or not they are in the best arrangement modality to undertake and achieve their objectives of facilitating national food production and enhancing national food and nutrition security.
In his opening remarks to launch the workshop, the principal secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources, Michel Nalletamby, said his ministry in collaboration with mainly the SAA, SFA (Seychelles Fishing Authority) and other partners have in the last few years been undertaking some major work to establish the appropriate and enabling environment to permit the revitalisation of both the fishery and animal sectors, both of which face different challenges.
While the fishery sector has a more available and accessible market both locally and abroad, the agricultural sector is finding it hard to penetrate the domestic market, let alone the international one.
“Nonetheless the need to have the appropriate environment remains relevant for both sectors,” said Mr Nalletamby.
He noted that the major development in the fishery sector for the last few years has been mainly in the provision of infrastructure to permit not only the growth and diversification but also create benefits, employment and wealth.
He mentioned the various projects which have resulted in such results like the fish market at Roche Caiman, the industrial fishing quay at Ile du Port, the processing plant at Providence industrial estate with more such facilities planned for the coming months and years.
The introduction of the new fishery act which provides for better management of the fishery sector was also highlighted.
On the other hand, Mr Nalletamby pointed out that there has been almost total collapse in the agricultural sector while also admitting some hope in that area. Developments to make the sector buoyant include the approval of the national food and nutrient security policy; insurance scheme; implementation of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Competitive Local Innovations for Small-Scale Agriculture Project (CLISSA) projects and other ongoing ones and research on new measures and practices to improve yields on the farms.
He said his ministry is also heavily involved in regional and international programmes for the two sectors to improve their performances. And one major project undertaken since the introduction of the national food and nutrient security policy is the Seychelles national agricultural programme.
Mr Nalletamby also pointed out that training and other forms of capacity building have been undertaken to empower existing personel with the necessary capabilities.
He added that the institutional set up of the sector should not be ignored hence the purpose of that current exercise being supported by the FAO (Food and Agricultural Organisation) focusing on the institutional strengthening of the agriculture sector. It is to be noted that FAO has been present in Seychelles for many years.
National consultant Helen Maiche explained the importance of the workshop and then went through the 2008 reform programme that saw the creation of the SAA among other institutions.
The FAO consultants – Saifullah Syed, retired chief policy assistance unit for Asia Pacific and Daneswar Poonyth, policy officer, economics development based in Malaysia -- are here for the restructuring process of both the SAA and the Natural Resources department which will enable the propagation and implementation of well-designed agricultural development strategies and policies that would serve the agricultural sector, food security and hence the national economy.
The opening session of the workshop
