I
thank Compagnie Sucrière de St Antoine for participating in the experimental
project of wheat plantation together with the Mauritius Research Council. This is the first time that wheat has been
produced in this region of the island. This is an example of how research can
contribute to the national development. In fact, my ministry has the mandate
for research and I believe that we should move out of the conventional
practices to new areas which will lead to innovation. Research is not
limited to the field of science. It caters for other areas such as arts,
history and any field which allows us to be creative. In this context, the Mauritius
Research Council has to move out to the people, to industry, farmers, students
and identify the areas of research that would bring added value. This wheat
cultivation project is an example of how researchers, private sector,
scientists and managers can join their efforts to implement projects. With the world facing more and challenges each day, we
need researchers to find new solutions to tackle them. I express my deep
appreciation to all those who have contributed directly or indirectly to this
experimental wheat cultivation project, also thanks to all the staff of MRC for
their efforts in this project. Through this experimental research, we are
contributing to the “Wheat for All” campaign.
