A refrigerated vehicle was handed over by the Asia Africa Rural Development Organisation (AARDO) to the Mauritius Livestock Marketing Cooperative Federation Ltd with a view to boost the dairy sector and improve the quality of milk production. The donation ceremony was held on Wednesday 22 February in the presence of the Minister of Business, Enterprise and Cooperatives, Mr Soomilduth Bholah, at the Maison des Eleveurs in Henrietta.
On this occasion, Minister Bholah underlined that the donation is part of Government’s initiative to support cooperatives in consolidating the dairy sector in the country given that over the years the sector has suffered from considerable decrease in the local milk production. Presently, the milk production is estimated at around four million litres while some 85% of the milk consumption in Mauritius results from importation, he pointed out.
In this context, he emphasised, Government had sought the expertise and financial assistance of New Delhi- based AARDO to help restructure the milk sector in Mauritius. He underscored that a report submitted by the experts of AARDO showed that the setting up of a logistics system and an improved milk supply system to ensure the efficient collection of quality milk could help revitalise the dairy sector. To this end, the AARDO also offered some Rs 1.4 million for the purchase of a new refrigerated vehicle, he added.
Minister Bholah highlighted the various benefits of the refrigerated vehicle for cooperatives involved in the dairy production including the transportation and storage of the milk in accordance with sanitary standards and the production of pasteurised as well as better quality milk. He expressed confidence that the acquisition of the refrigerated vehicle will enable the Mauritius Livestock Marketing Cooperative Federation Ltd to provide better delivery services to the consumers.
For his part, the Secretary of the Mauritius Livestock Marketing Cooperative Federation Ltd, Mr Kissonah, pointed out that the refrigerated vehicle will help revive the confidence of farmers and breeders in the dairy sector. He underlined that there are presently some 800 breeders in the country and that they should be encouraged to help sustain the livestock sector.
The Mauritius Livestock Marketing Cooperative Federation Ltd
The Mauritius Livestock Marketing Cooperative Federation Ltd is the only cooperative federation of the dairy sector to which 14 companies are affiliated. It also operates a milk pasteurisation unit in Henrietta.