Gradual shift from traditional cultivation to Hydroponics in Mauritius

Presently, most of the crops produced in Mauritius are obtained through the traditional open-field cultivation, but due to problems like infestation of pests and diseases, unfavourable weather conditions linked to climate change, shortage of labour and high cost of production, many growers are gradually shifting from traditional open-field cultivation to hydroponics production. Hydroponics is a rather new type of cultivation in Mauritius and has been adopted by growers around 10 years ago. According to the Strategic Options for Crop and Livestock 2007-2015, there were 6 hydroponic promoters in Mauritius in 1999, who were involved in 25 hydroponics units. Over the years this number has increased considerably to 179 promoters  in 2006 who were producing crops under hydroponics in 301 units. The main crops grown under hydroponics production in Mauritius are: tomato, sweet-pepper, green cucumber, melon, lettuce and ornamentals.
 
General concepts of a Hydroponics System

Hydroponics involves growing crops in a soil-less medium, where the plant is supported either by water (in water culture) or a solid substrate other than soil (in substrate culture). In order to grow crops under hydroponics culture, a well-maintained Greenhouse is required, whereby the plants are cultivated under a controlled environment (Temperature, Relative Humidity, irrigation, fertilisation, pests & diseases, and other external weather conditions). The different terms used to describe hydroponics are nutri-culture, water-culture, substrate culture, gravel-culture, sand culture, rockwool culture, Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) etc. The type of culture depends on the medium being used and the most popular one in Mauritius is the substrate culture and the most common substrate being used is coco-peat. Since the crops are grown in a soil-less medium, the nutrients required by the plant needs to be provided. This is done through a fertigation system (irrigation and fertilisation done at the same time). The nutrient solution is automatically mixed by a computer system (depending on the crop nutrient requirement) and both macro and micro nutrients are provided to the crops. In a hydroponics system, more crops can be grown on the same area of land compared to the traditional farming since the crops grow vertically and there is more production/area.

Sweet Pepper grown under hydroponics culture in a Greenhouse
Fertigation System used for hydroponics production
Computer system controlling nutrient solution
Experience of a young entrepreneur in hydroponics production

Mr. Vikash    Ramtohul is 38 years old and is engaged in agriculture for the past 15 years. Currently, he is cultivating sweet-pepper under hydroponics production, which is also a family business operating under the name of Keebec Hydrotech Ltd. Agriculture has always been part of of his life as his father was engaged in crop production and after school, he used to help him in the field. 


With time, agriculture had become his passion and after secondary school, he decided to follow his father’s footsteps and ventured into crop production. He started with open-field cultivation, and practised the same for nearly 7 years. But one day one of his clients told him about hydroponics production and suggested that he think about it. Considering the challenges he was facing in the traditional open-field cultivation (mainly labour shortage, high cost of production, pest and disease outbreak, unfavourable weather conditions), he decided to shift from traditional farming to hydroponics production.


Sweet-pepper production under hydroponics
It’s been 6 years since Mr. Vikash is producing crops under hydroponics culture at Bassin Road, Quatre-Bornes (a town in the central part of Mauritius). He owns 3 Greenhouses (two Greenhouses of 450 Metre square and one of 614 Metre square). He started by producing tomato for two years and then shifted to sweet-pepper production. According to him, the sweet-pepper plant can produce up to 1 year.
According to Mr. Vikash, for someone to be a successful hydroponics grower, he/she should know the following steps:

  • Preparation of site
  • All cultural practices from seedlings production
  • Pest and disease control
  • Fertigation Management
For growers who are interested in hydroponics production, technical support is provided by the Agricultural Research and Extension Unit (AREU) and loan facilities are obtained by the Development Bank of Mauritius (DBM).
 
Some costs involved in sweet-pepper production
According to Mr. Vikash, the following costs are incurred for sweet-pepper production per greenhouse per cycle:
Coco peat= Rs 88/unit (450 required for 1 greenhouse)
Seed= Rs 9/unit (4 seeds in 1 coco peat)
Total cost for fertiliser= Rs 75,000
Labour = Rs 5,600/labour (2 labour/greenhouse)
Sweet pepper production/cycle = Rs 450,000

Marketing
Mr. Vikash sells his products to re-sellers and also to supermarkets and hotels. For him, marketing is not really a problem.

 
Major challenges
The major challenges faced by Mr. Vikash as a hydroponics grower are:
1) Pests
Due to climate change, he is getting problems of pests in the greenhouse. The main pests are thrips and red spider mite
 
Below is a Power Point presentation on pests and diseases of greenhouse sweet-peppers in Mauritius (by my friends and I as an assignment during our final year at university), in which more information on hydroponics and pest & disease management can be obtained:

2) Service Providers

When cladding materials need to be changed in the greenhouse, Mr. Vikash claims that the service which is being provided locally is not very good and he is not satisfied with their work. He believes that there should be more trained professionals in this field and more research should be done in this area.
 
Way forward
According to Mr. Vikash, considering the challenges that growers cultivating in the open-field are facing, he is sees hydroponics as the future of the Mauritian agriculture, and he is satisfied by this type of production.
 
After meeting Mr. Vikash and from my own experience as a graduate in agriculture, it can be said that hydroponics is the answer to the following challenges in Mauritius:
  • Growing population and increasing number of tourists 
  • Agricultural lands converted into residential areas or shopping malls
  • Climate change leading to unfavourable weather conditions and outbreak of new pests and diseases
  • Lack of labour
Another positive aspect of hydroponics is that it is a new way of cultivating crops that may attract youth in agriculture as it does not involve working in the field like the traditional method and with appropriate knowledge and skills, they may even earn a good living and be respected in the society.
 
However, the main disadvantage of this type of cultivation is that the initial cost is very high (construction of greenhouse, purchase of cladding material, fertigation system etc.), and it is only after a year or two that the grower starts to make profit in the business! 
 
Check out some pictures taken at Mr. Vikash Ramtohul’s place here.
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51 Comments

  1. Bastian 12/27/2011 at 03:41

    Very interesting post. I like it. Can you put me in contact with Mr. Vikash? And if possible, can you guide me to where to obtain the information present in the first part.

    Reply ↓
    1. Anonymous 05/20/2013 at 14:23

      Hi is it possible to give me a contact number so I can contact Mr Vikash..

      Thank you.

      Reply ↓
    2. Anonymous 07/08/2013 at 00:30

      hi Nawsheen ,hope you are fine ,i’m koonal,your project work is very good,could you please if it’s possible to sent me vikash contact num,thanks

      Reply ↓
    3. minakshi appadoo 05/05/2014 at 14:03

      hello nawsheen,is it possible to get the contact of mr vikash plz
      thanks

      Reply ↓
  4. sujai 01/09/2012 at 07:41

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    Reply ↓
  5. hydroponics 01/17/2012 at 06:18

    Very Nice post. I like it. Very informative. Thankyou…….

    Reply ↓
  6. sujai 03/20/2012 at 09:45

    FERTIGATION
    Drip irrigation is one such technology, which has assumed great importance in the recent times. In the present situation when the irrigated area is increasing, ground water table is dwindling and availability of surface water for irrigation is getting reduced, drip irrigation is the only answer to meet the growing demand of water.

    Drip Irrigation is the most modern technique of applying water directly to the root zone of the plant in right quantity at the right time and at the right place.

    For More Details visit http://sujayirrigations.com/

    Reply ↓
  7. sujai 03/24/2012 at 06:59

    DRIP EMITTERS
    Drip irrigation is one such technology, which has assumed great importance in the recent times. In the present situation when the irrigated area is increasing, ground water table is dwindling and availability of surface water for irrigation is getting reduced, drip irrigation is the only answer to meet the growing demand of water.

    Drip Irrigation is the most modern technique of applying water directly to the root zone of the plant in right quantity at the right time and at the right place.

    For More Details visit http://sujayirrigations.com/

    Reply ↓
  8. sujai 04/29/2012 at 07:45

    DRIP EMITTERS
    Drip irrigation is one such technology, which has assumed great importance in the recent times. In the present situation when the irrigated area is increasing, ground water table is dwindling and availability of surface water for irrigation is getting reduced, drip irrigation is the only answer to meet the growing demand of water.

    Drip Irrigation is the most modern technique of applying water directly to the root zone of the plant in right quantity at the right time and at the right place.

    For More Details visit http://sujayirrigations.com/

    Reply ↓
  9. Vitalink 06/13/2012 at 07:07

    Good job! It is great that you are able to share interesting insights about how hydroponics gardening is done in Mauritius.

    Reply ↓
  10. Anonymous 11/20/2012 at 05:41

    Hi Nawsheen, Ayoushee here. Can pls provide me ur email address or other contact details?

    Thanks

    Reply ↓
  11. orion vaughan 12/09/2012 at 17:30

    It is very helpful tips for me. I defiantly use your tips in my work. Thank you for nice tips.
    Hydroponics

    Reply ↓
    1. S lebon 05/02/2024 at 12:32

      Hi great work, would like to start ,could you send some number where i can get guidance please

      Reply ↓
  15. Marlon Best 01/21/2013 at 05:26

    Fantastic knowledge is shared about hydroponic growing. People having really good knowledge about hydroponic gardening can check their knowledge with this Hydroponic Gardening Quiz.

    Reply ↓
  16. Anonymous 02/13/2013 at 08:36

    i need info about the equipments for the setting up of the hydroponic garden. where to have them in mauritius?

    Reply ↓
  17. Anonymous 07/17/2013 at 07:47

    Hi Nawsheen,

    Very useful information. Where can i obtain information about equipments that is required for setting up hydroponic garden.

    Reply ↓
  18. Andros Achilleos 08/04/2013 at 16:40

    can you give us more info on the fertigation system and how to build it?
    Most ready made systems are very expensive.

    Reply ↓
  19. Anonymous 08/18/2013 at 13:40

    hi…i wanted to know what is the app cost of a greenhouse and where can we it i mauritius or if you can get me a contact number. thanks.

    Reply ↓
  20. Anonymous 09/13/2013 at 18:36

    I wish to have more info about marketing for hydroponic.
    all my formalities have been done with DBM and has been appoved and i’ll be starting within 1 month.
    It will be gratefull if u could revert to me as soon as possible.
    I wish to have some information about the marketing.
    here’s my contact Num 7464412.

    Reply ↓
  21. Anonymous 10/17/2013 at 13:03

    Hi
    First Thanks for sharing all these with us. Very informative.
    I am new to this and would like to start.
    1st question : where can one get net cups in Mauritius??
    Thanks for your answer
    Regards
    Luke

    Reply ↓
  22. Anonymous 04/28/2014 at 10:53

    Hi Nawsheen…if you still have Mr Vikash number, can you please send it to me on varsha22@hotmail.co.uk
    regards varsha.

    Reply ↓
  23. Rishi Raaj Imrit 05/19/2014 at 16:35

    Hello,

    I represent DGM and would like to share the new design of hydroponic garden at your own place. You can visit http://domeguysmauritius.com for more details. We build Geodesic Dome for hydroponics and if you feel like this new structure will benefit you, do contact us.

    Thank you.

    Reply ↓
  24. Mohammad Sadat Soleman 09/27/2015 at 19:07

    I have a hydroponik in Grand Bois am new in this i need help to care and for a formation in this plss can u help me

    Reply ↓
  25. zameel 08/21/2016 at 21:54

    Hi. Nawsheen can i get mr vikash contact?

    Send me on 57681638.

    Thank.

    Reply ↓
  26. Ziah Isseljee 08/24/2016 at 12:47

    Hello Nawsheen,

    Your article on hydroponics in very interesting and useful. I wish to have more information about the seeds if possible. Could you kindly give me Mr. Vikash’s number or any other person dealing in hydroponics please?

    Thanks and kind regards,
    Ziah

    Reply ↓
  27. ANISTA 10/01/2016 at 21:06

    HI I WISH TO START THIS BUSINESS. I AM VERY INTERESTED BUT I DO NT HAVE ANY KNOWLEDGE. CAN U HELP ME HOW TO START. THX.

    Reply ↓
  28. shameem 11/14/2016 at 21:00

    am starting an hydroponics greenhouse in January. I badly needs a business plan to present to the ministry of agriculture for them to help me. my surface available for the greenhouse is 1400m3 by 1400m3.my capital is only Rs 90000 in hand. please help me !!!

    Reply ↓
  29. viraj mudhoo 12/10/2016 at 06:17

    hi Nawsheen .Viraj here can you give me some information and pictures on tomato growth if available please

    Reply ↓
  30. Vikash 01/16/2017 at 09:33

    Hi Nawsheen thanks a lot for helping people god bless you dear.Am very excited of doing this project.so far my Dad used to grow vegetables and I have learned it from him when I was still young.Its been 3 years l wanted to do hydroponics ,now am not working anymore pls can you help n advice me n give Mr Vikash phone number. Thanks bye

    Reply ↓
  31. munir nobeebux 02/06/2017 at 17:18

    hello am mr munir nobeebux i have some plants tomato fr hydroponics to sel on best price for greenhouse my tel 58088318

    Reply ↓
  32. anee 05/09/2017 at 20:43

    I need uv plastics,zigzags,insect nets etc. where can I find these?please reply

    Reply ↓
  33. Raina Harbilass 05/30/2017 at 09:29

    Hello Nawsheen,

    Please send me the contact details of My Vikas

    Reply ↓
  34. Raina Harbilass 05/30/2017 at 09:31

    Sorry i mean Mr Vikash

    Reply ↓
  35. Sakeena 08/19/2017 at 15:59

    Hello. Can i have contact number of Mr. Vikash? Please. Thanking you.

    Reply ↓
  36. Sanil 10/13/2017 at 18:49

    Hi nawsheen I’m sanil, interested in the business can you tell where i can get information about all the things. Thnx

    Reply ↓
  37. Sanil 10/13/2017 at 18:52

    Hi nawsheen I’m sanil and I’m interested in the business, can you tell where can I can get all the information. Thnx

    Reply ↓
  38. Lall 03/25/2018 at 07:14

    Very interesting I would also like to set up a green house but don’t know where to start. Could you guide me. Thanks

    Reply ↓
  39. Kreetesh Kumar Ramyad 04/13/2018 at 17:59

    Very nice concept, i learn more about that. Can i get the contact number of Mr Vikash.

    Reply ↓
  40. Lakshana 06/14/2018 at 11:01

    Hello,
    I work at Kirsh Co Ltd and I wanted to know about the different dimensions of greenhouses in Mauritius.
    Also, the various colours and covers used.

    Thanking you
    Regards

    Reply ↓
  41. Akash 07/30/2018 at 12:59

    Hello,
    I want to buy used coco peat for Rs10 bag. Please email me if you are interested.

    Reply ↓
  42. Shekar 09/16/2018 at 20:36

    I want to start a small greenhouse of 100mt square. Can I have some ideas n help from you how to start. I have already started to construct my greenhouse. Where can I buy the materials to cover it.

    Reply ↓
  43. steve raman 02/27/2019 at 11:41

    excellent info keep it going wish you and Mr Vikash all in hydroponics production in Mauritius a happy and successful 2019

    Reply ↓
  44. Manoj 05/21/2019 at 12:57

    Hello Can I have some contacts where I can get in touch for building an hydrophonics system.

    Or
    Mr Vikash number who can help getting equpments please.

    Ragards,

    Reply ↓
  45. Drayantee sooppan 09/07/2019 at 15:20

    Hi i had an hydroponic on the roof of my house

    Reply ↓
  46. Rambhujun Viresh 05/03/2020 at 08:26

    Where can I get netcups,please ?

    Reply ↓

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