History of Sugar Cane Cultivation in Mauritius

Study Notes

History of Sugar Cane Cultivation in Mauritius

An intriguing chapter of human endeavor unfolds in the story of sugar cane in Mauritius, tracing back to the Dutch colonial era in the mid-17th century. Originally brought by the Dutch in 1640, sugarcane thrived on the fertile soil and favorable climates of the island. Over time, it transformed not only Mauritius' landscape but also its culture, economy, politics, and society.

Early Development and Economic Growth

Since the introduction of sugarcane, agriculture became the cornerstone of the Mauritian economy, with sugar becoming its principal export commodity. As the sugar industry expanded, industrialization followed suit, promoting urbanization and a unique blend of cultures formed by creoles, Indians, Chinese, Africans, French, British, and Dutch descendents.

Colonial Era and Post-Colonial Challenges

From the Dutch rule until the late 20th century, the sugar sector flourished under various colonial powers, evolving along with the international political context. After Mauritius gained independence in 1968, the sugar industry remained a symbol of strength, thanks to its pivot toward the European Union (EU). Until the early 2000s, sugar accounted for approximately 70% of Mauritius' foreign exchange earnings.

But after the end of the EU's quota system in 2017, Mauritius, alongside several developing nations, experienced fiercer competition in the global sugar market. This disruption triggered financial instability affecting small-scale sugarcane producers, whose numbers dwindled from 26,000 to 13,000 between 2010 and 2018.

Despite these challenges, the Mauritian sugarcane industry persists and seeks innovative solutions, including a shift towards renewable energies based on biomass generated during the sugar manufacturing process. Bagasse, the residue remaining after crushing sugarcane stalks, supplies roughly 14% of Mauritius' electrical energy requirements today.

As the historical evolution demonstrates, Mauritius leveraged sugarcane's potential in multiple ways, continuously reinventing itself amidst societal, ecological, and economical transformations.