Government of Republic of Mauritius : Agro-Industry Ministry focuses on setting up of a National Biotechnology Institute

GIS-24 January 2017: A workshop to discuss the setting up of a National Biotechnology Institute, an initiative of the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security, kicked off this morning at the Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel, Port Louis.

Present at the opening ceremony, the Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security, Mr Mahen Seeruttun, stated that the country is now ready to transform itself into a high-income economy and innovation has been recognized, as the key driver of economic growth in terms of wealth generation and job creation. Biotechnology is one of the vehicles of innovation that could contribute positively towards this vision, he added.

According to him, Mauritius has so far been timidly involved in biotechnology and very few institutions are engaged in this sector. The Mauritius Sugar Industry Research Institute under the aegis of the Mauritius Cane Industry Authority, Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute and the University of Mauritius are the few institutions that address biotechnology in their research and development programme, recalled Mr Seeruttun.

Consequently we have not been able to tap the full extent of this technology, he stressed, adding that his Ministry is committed to redress this situation. In this context, the National Biosafety Committee was reconstituted in March 2015. This committee is an advisory committee set up to advise on all aspects concerning the importation, exportation, transit, development, research, production, use, application, marketing, sale and the release of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) or on any other matter concerning GMOs.

Actions to review the GMO Act 2004, which was only partially proclaimed in 2004, have been initiated stated the Minister and a revised draft of the GMO Act is already available. Moreover, the associated regulations to accompany this law are being finalised, he added. For Mr Seeruttun, all these initiatives will assist to protect human, animal and environmental health, protect consumers in making their choice regarding GMOs, and maintain an international quality and safety standards that facilitate trade.

Furthermore, the Minister announced that provision is being made for the setting of the National Biosafety Office in his Ministry to deal with administrative matters pertaining to Biosafety, GMOs and to cater for the enforcement of the law.

Application of biotechnology will be critical to help Mauritius meet the new challenges facing us such as climate change, new pests and diseases outbreaks and growing demands for food, feed, fibre and biofuels in the years to come, he said.

Government Information Service, Prime Minister's Office, Level 6, New Government Centre, Port Louis, Mauritius. Email:[e-mail] Website:http ://gis.govmu.org