Aim
To increase farmer’s knowledge and skills, thereby raising their productivity and income improving their standard of living, and lifting their social and educational standards.
Background
Our extension system operates through technological change as the key to increase farm productivity, and relies on demonstration (seeing is believing) as an effective tool to ensure the adoption of new technologies.
Centres originally called Permanent District Demonstration Plots were set up in the late 1950’s and operated within the Extension Services of the Ministry of Agriculture to offer a closer and better extension support to the farming community. They were later renamed Demonstration Centres. At first DC activities were restricted to the crop sector but were subsequently extended to the livestock sector, including the veterinary services. Since 1995, these centres also host AREU's headquarters for three extension regions (North, East and South).
There are presently four Demonstration Centres
Rivière des Anguilles DC
Mapou DC
Flacq DC
Plaisance DC
Objectives
Besides offering close extension support, these centres provide windows for new technology in foodcrop, livestock and fruit production. On DC’s, farmers can:
gain access to up-to-date information and new technologies
develop their skills and acquire knowledge through training
avail themselves of a wide range of services
Crop Services
Training of farmers
Advisory service for production and protection of foodcrops and fruits
Diagnostic service for pests and diseases of foodcrops and fruits
Issue of vouchers for the purchase of vegetable seeds
Interface between the farming community and service providers
Investigation of farmers’ needs and grievances
Provision of facilities for research
Facilitation for access to :
incentive schemes (S.F.E.S and DBM loan)
restricted pesticides
seeds and planting materials
For further information on crop matters, please contact
Extension and Training Department
1st Floor FSC Building,
Royal Road, St Pierre.
Tel: 433-4378, 433-9350, 433-9352
Fax: 433-9356
E-Mail - areuext@intnet.mu