Mauritius once again finds itself under the threat of a drought similar to that of 2022, a situation which is increasingly worrying the authorities and residents, particularly agricultural producers. The latest hydrological surveys, carried out in the island’s reservoirs, reveal alarming filling levels, which are already starting to impact the prices of fruit and vegetables on local markets.
Pressure tanks: a worrying deficit
The question that torments Mauritians today is whether the island will face a drought as severe as that of last year. The filling rate of the island’s water reservoirs is currently insufficient, even though the rainy season is not yet over. The latest data from the Water Resources Unit of the Ministry of Energy and Utilities shows that the situation is critical:
La Nicolière: 39.9%
Mare-aux-Vacoas: 51%
Piton-du-Milieu: 47.2%
The Farm: 28.1%
Midlands-Dam : 44,1 %
Bagatelle-Dam: 46.3%
Mare-Longue : 62,4 %
Overall, the filling rate is 45.5%, compared to 73.2% for the same period in 2024. This water deficit is already putting considerable pressure on farmers who depend on water from reservoirs to irrigate their crops.
Farmers affected by the water crisis
The island’s market gardeners noticed these water shortages well before the end of 2024. To compensate for this deficit, many producers had to buy 50 to 100 liter containers to transport the water to their fields. This solution, although temporary, represents a significant additional investment for farmers, which results in an increase in the prices of fruits and vegetables.
Currently, this price increase remains moderate, but in the event of a prolonged drought, Mauritius could be forced to import more agricultural products, which would cause costs to spike. Mauritian consumers, already facing pressure on their purchasing power, risk having to face even higher prices if the situation persists.
The concerns of farmers and consumers: drought and torrential rains
Mauritian farmers fear not only a prolonged lack of water but also torrential rains which could have devastating consequences. These heavy rainfalls can not only lead to soil erosion, but also ravage plantations, ruining entire crops. Fruit and vegetable producers must therefore juggle two extreme climate scenarios: drought and floods.
This situation creates a climate of uncertainty and anxiety for those who make a living from agriculture, a key sector of the economy of Mauritius. Authorities and farmers are urgently hoping that the situation will improve with the arrival of regular rains which could relieve reservoirs and crops.
An uncertain future for Mauritian agriculture
Faced with the threat of a new drought, producers in Mauritius find themselves in a precarious situation, with rising prices for water and food products. As climate challenges intensify, the island’s ability to secure sufficient and affordable local production remains uncertain. Mauritius will have to put in place solutions to manage this crisis, in particular by investing in more efficient irrigation technologies and developing resilience strategies in the face of climatic hazards.
Moctar FICUU / VivAfrik
