World Environment Day 2026: An Interview with Mr. Mukesh Biranjia, Chairman, Mauritius Cooperative Alliance
As the world marks World Environment Day 2026, the International Cooperative Alliance – Asia and Pacific (ICA-AP) highlights the inspiring journey of Mr. Mukesh Biranjia, Chairman of the Mauritius Cooperative Alliance (MCA). A farmer, cooperative leader, and participant in the ICA-MAFF Training Programme in Japan in 2024, Mr. Biranjia shares how cooperatives are helping farmers adapt to climate challenges while promoting sustainable agricultural development.
Looking back on your journey, how did you become a farmer, and what inspired you to join and actively participate in the cooperative movement?
My journey in agriculture began during my childhood. I come from an agricultural cooperative family. My father was a founding member of Bramsthan ACMCS Ltd and served as its Chairman on several occasions since its establishment in 1984.
During school holidays, I often accompanied my parents to the farm and helped with vegetable cultivation. Those experiences taught me the value of agriculture and the importance of ensuring that communities have access to fresh and affordable food.
After graduating, I built a successful career in the tourism industry. However, I always felt a strong desire to engage in work that would create a positive impact for both my family and my community. When my father approached retirement, he encouraged me to take over the farming activities. Although I initially hesitated because agriculture was not considered a highly profitable sector, I accepted the challenge.
At the same time, I became an active member of Bramsthan ACMCS Ltd, marking the beginning of my cooperative journey. Through the cooperative, I attended various events and training programmes, including a Secretarial Course in Bookkeeping and Accountancy at the National Cooperative College of Mauritius. Following the training, I was appointed Secretary of the society while continuing my farming activities. This experience strengthened my commitment to the cooperative movement and its role in supporting farmers and communities.
You participated in the ICA-MAFF Training Programme in Japan in 2024. What was the most valuable lesson or innovation you learned, and how have you applied it since returning to Mauritius?
First, I would like to sincerely thank ICA-AP, ICA-Africa, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) of Japan, and the Institute for the Development of Agricultural Cooperation in Asia (IDACA) for providing this valuable opportunity.
Participating in the ICA-MAFF Training Programme on agricultural cooperative management in Japan was a transformative experience. The programme gave me renewed energy, strengthened my strategic thinking, and broadened my understanding of how cooperatives can effectively serve farmers.
One of the most important lessons I learned was the importance of listening to farmers. Farmers are at the heart of our food systems. If we fail to understand and address their concerns, we risk undermining food security itself. Farmers feed the world, whether individually or through cooperatives.
I was also impressed by the active participation of women in Japanese agricultural cooperatives and their use of advanced technologies to improve productivity and livelihoods.
Following the programme, I gradually implemented my action plan, which included crop diversification, hydroponic farming, sheltered farming, improved monitoring of pesticide and fungicide applications, farmer counselling on good agricultural practices, facilitating access to finance, and strengthening marketing through product standardisation. These initiatives have contributed to improved farmer incomes and enhanced the visibility of our cooperative.
Congratulations on your recent appointment as Chairman of the Mauritius Cooperative Alliance. How has the training shaped your leadership approach, and what are your priorities for helping farmers adapt to climate-related challenges?
The training significantly influenced my leadership approach by reinforcing the importance of inclusive decision-making, strategic planning, and climate resilience.
As Chairman of the Mauritius Cooperative Alliance, I believe cooperative leaders must do more than manage operations. They must support farmers in navigating changing economic and environmental realities while ensuring the long-term sustainability of their livelihoods.
My priorities focus on helping farmers adapt to climate-related challenges through several key actions:
- Promoting climate-smart agriculture: We encourage farming practices that improve soil health, conserve water, and increase resilience to changing weather conditions. This includes crop diversification, rainwater harvesting, improved irrigation systems, sheltered farming, and the use of resilient crop varieties.
- Farmer education and capacity building: We organise training programmes and technical workshops to help farmers better understand climate risks, pest management, weather patterns, and sustainable farming practices.
- Building stronger partnerships: We work closely with government agencies, agricultural institutions, and development partners to expand access to technology, resources, and financial support for cooperative members.
Ultimately, my goal is to ensure that our cooperatives become stronger, more resilient, and better prepared for future climate challenges while supporting sustainable agricultural growth.
Your action plan focused on crop diversification and sustainable farming practices. What progress have you achieved so far, and what impact have these efforts had?
We have already witnessed encouraging progress among members of our cooperative.
Many farmers have diversified their crops instead of relying on a single source of production. This has reduced risks associated with unpredictable weather conditions, pests, and market fluctuations. We have also promoted sustainable agricultural practices and introduced new marketing approaches, including produce grading for improved pricing and the use of digital technologies to expand market access.
Training sessions and knowledge-sharing activities have helped farmers maintain productivity while becoming more adaptable to changing conditions.
The impact has been positive. Farmers are becoming increasingly aware of climate-related risks and more confident in adopting innovative approaches. The cooperative itself has grown stronger through greater collaboration, information sharing, and collective problem-solving.
From an environmental perspective, we are seeing improvements in soil quality, more efficient water management, and reduced waste on several farms. While there is still much work ahead, these efforts are helping create a more resilient agricultural system and fostering a culture of sustainability within our community.
As a farmer living in Mauritius, an island nation on the frontlines of climate change, what message would you like to share on World Environment Day?
Climate change is no longer a distant concern. As a farmer in Mauritius, I witness its effects firsthand through changing weather patterns, water scarcity, rising temperatures, and increasingly frequent extreme weather events. These challenges place significant pressure on farmers and food production systems.
On this World Environment Day, I would like to emphasise that farmers are not only food producers. They are also stewards of the land, water, and environment. Through sustainable farming practices, farmers can play a critical role in protecting natural resources for future generations.
Cooperatives have an equally important role to play. By working together, farmers can share knowledge, access resources, and adopt climate-smart solutions more effectively. The future of agriculture depends on the actions we take today.
We must invest in sustainable agriculture, conserve water, protect our environment, and support farmers in adapting to climate challenges. Together, we can build a greener, more resilient, and more sustainable future.