A Week of Butterfly Education and Conservation at the University Farm

 Last week, students from  Le Bocage Secondary School embarked on a collaborative and immersive learning journey centered around butterflies, their importance to our ecosystem, and their conservation. The initiative was hosted by the Faculty of Agriculture at the University Farm and spanned across three days - 29th May, 30th May, and 2nd June 2023.

The event kicked off on Monday, 29th May, with welcoming remarks from Associate Professor D Puchooa, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, and an introduction by Dr H Neetoo, the Head of Department of Agriculture & Food Science. The Agricultural Society (Ag Soc) members also introduced themselves, setting the tone for the day.

The highlight of the day was a seminar by Dr S Ganeshan, an entomologist. He enlightened the attendees about the life cycle of butterflies, the types of plants that attract them, and the threats that these beautiful creatures face due to natural activities. Dr Ganeshan also discussed the effects of climate change on butterflies, their role in maintaining the biodiversity of a garden, and shared stories from his scientific career.

Following the seminar, participants were treated to a guided tour of the university farm by Mr Busgopal, Sanju, and Ag Soc students. Dr Ganeshan provided a practical demonstration on catching butterflies using nets, offering a unique hands-on experience for everyone involved.

 

On Tuesday, 30th May, the students from Le Bocage planted 20 new plants/trees. To help future visitors learn more about these new additions, the students erected wooden signs featuring laminated labels and QR codes linked to literature on each plant. The day concluded with a tour of the Zoology laboratory and a presentation of preserved butterfly specimens, led by Miss Jaumdally and Ag Soc students.

The week of activities culminated on Friday, 2nd June with a presentation of the newly created Butterfly Garden. Le Bocage students led a PowerPoint presentation, followed by a guided tour of the garden. The inaugural signage was erected, proudly declaring the garden as "A collaborative project between the University of Mauritius and Le Bocage Secondary School.

This inspiring and educational collaboration between the University of Mauritius and Le Bocage Secondary School not only allowed students to experience the beauty of butterflies and the importance of their conservation but also paved the way for further initiatives to protect our diverse and precious fauna.

Les Assises de l'Agriculture, themed Pathways to a Sustainable Food System for a Healthier Tomorrow

Les Assises de l'Agriculture, themed Pathways to a Sustainable Food System for a Healthier Tomorrow, took place in Mauritius from 16 to 20 March 2023.

• The event featured a two-day Symposium and a five-day exhibition with 197 stands showcasing local agricultural products and sustainable practices

 

The Faculty of Agriculture participated in both the symposium and exhibition 

We laid emphasis on the following areas:

 

•Training
Our program provides hands-on training and practical skills for graduates in agriculture and related fields.

• We are committed to promoting sustainable agriculture and responsible food production.
• Our program focuses on the latest research and innovations in agriculture and food science.
• Graduates of our program are well-equipped for successful careers in a wide range of agricultural and food-related industries.
• The skills and knowledge that students gain through your program that are relevant to these careers.
• Our program offers unique opportunities for experiential learning, research project , and internships
• Our faculty members and technical staff are experts in their respective fields and are committed to supporting student success.

Research

• Development of a mobile apps to diagnose diseases in crops, mobile application Dokter Plant
• · Development of IoT Sensors for sheltered farming Identification of Colletotrichum species on crops and fruits using molecular tools.
• Highlights of Food Waste and Loss reduction campaign
• Climate smart technologies for climate resilience, food security, and poverty alleviation of small farmers 

 

· Some Highlights of the Exhibits and Key Messages

• President Roopun emphasized the need to redesign the food system for sustainability, climate change resilience, and reduced dependency on imports.
• Les Assises de l'Agriculture serves as an important platform for knowledge sharing, interaction, and forging partnerships for a more resilient and sustainable agriculture industry.
• Minister Gobin called for greater self-sufficiency, backyard gardening, and decreased dependency on imports.

Strengthening food control and phytosanitary capacities and governance’ in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

 A five-day workshop on the project ‘Strengthening food control and phytosanitary capacities and governance’ in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) was organised in Mauritius. Associate Professor D. Goburdhun represented the Faculty of Agriculture at the workshop held from 27 Feb 2023 to 03 March 2023, at Caudan Arts Center.

The project aims to provide technical support to the operationalisation of the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Policy Framework for Africa and enable rational planning for the strengthening of national food control systems. The FAO/WHO Food Control System Assessment Tool will be used to assess the national food control system of Mauritius. The Minister highlighted the importance of effective food control management involving clear standards and regulations that govern the production, distribution, and sale of food products. He also emphasised the role of enforcement activities and the two main laboratories in Mauritius for testing the safety and nutritional quality of food products. The Acting UN Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles, Ms Amanda Serumaga, highlighted the significance of the project in enhancing the food control system in Mauritius, which is funded by the European Union to the tune of five million euros.

In this context, a team of experts Dr Dennis Bittisnich, Lead Assessor, Mr David Eboku, Assessor, Mr Faizal Jawaheer, National Consultant and Mr Yousouf Gaungoo, National Project Coordinator visited the Faculty of Agriculture to explore opportunities for our  contribution to the local food control system. 

The discussion revolves around the following areas:

• Our first responsibility is to provide training to individuals who work in the food industry, such as public health food inspectors, on the necessary skills and knowledge required to maintain food safety and quality. This includes training on proper hygiene and sanitation practices, good manufacturing practices, hazard analysis, and critical control points, among others.
• In addition to providing training, we also play a critical role in creating awareness and promoting the importance of food safety among the general public. This includes educating consumers on the dangers of consuming contaminated food and providing them with information on how to identify safe and high-quality food products.
• Another important role we play is in conducting research and development on new and innovative food safety technologies and techniques. This includes developing new methods for detecting and controlling foodborne pathogens, improving food processing technologies, and developing new food preservation methods.

Lack of Veterinarians in Mauritius

 The Minister of Agroindustry and Food Security, Hon Maneesh Gobin indicated that veterinarians are needed not only for the needs of domestic animals but also for animal husbandry. However, in Mauritius, veterinarians are now rare commodities, according to the Minister.

“Of the hundred or so veterinarians who are still practicing, around twenty work in the public sector. The others operate privately,” he said. The numerous announcements made by the ministry with a view to recruiting new veterinarians have, he says, yielded nothing.

The Zimbabwean government will temporarily put its veterinarians at the service of Mauritius. This, in order to be able to compensate for the lack of veterinarians in Mauritius. Hence his approach to seek help from neighboring countries, citing Zimbabwe, Madagascar, India and Egypt for short-term help, while new veterinarians are trained and recruited. 

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has also been asked to respond to a shortage of veterinarians in Mauritius. The request was made by the Minister of Agro-industry, Maneesh Gobin, to the director of the FAO, Qu Dongyu, under South-South cooperation.

It is also important to note that at the Faculty of Agriculture, we trained students in general animal husbandry practices in their undergraduate programme of studies.  They have good knowledge and skills in animal nutrition, reproductive management practices, among others. Although they are not trained in diseases diagnosis and treatment, they represent an important human resource that can be of assistance to the Veterinarians.

A team of Researchers, at The Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mauritius, develops a pectin based edible coating for furits and vegetables

A team at the The Faculty of Agriculture has developed a pectin- based edible coating (EcoPEC Food Freshness Retainers TM) for commercial application on locally grown fruits and vegetables to extend their shelf-life and retain freshness for food wastage reduction in the Republic of Mauritius.

 

 

The interdisciplinary research team and collaborators are:

Dr Brinda Ramasawmy (Principal Investigator)
Dr Deena Ramful-Baboolall
Dr Hudaa Neetoo
Prof Naushad Emmambux -International collaborator from University of Pretoria
Dr Carene Picot-Allain (Research Assistant) 

                                                                                   Ms Liza Cloete (MPhil-PhD student)
                                                                         Assoc Prof Haree Ramasawmy Faculty of Engineering
                                           Collaboration with Commission for Agriculture under RRA, Rodrigues

 

 

Faculty of Agriculture Research Day 9 November 2021

 

Dear Colleagues and Alumni,

THIS IS HAPPENING on 9 November 2021

Join the Faculty of Agriculture Research Day, organized by the University of Mauritius.

Presentations will showcase  research in the following areas:

• Crop and Animal Science
• Food Science
• Freshwater and Marine Science
• Crop Pests and Diseases
• Sustainable Production and Consumption 

If you haven't yet registered click here https://tinyurl.com/tf3m4p9k and the Zoom links to the 2 Virtual Parallel sessions will be accessible after registration.

Check the agenda and participate in the different virtual oral and poster sessions https://tinurl.com/xujspa8

 

The Book of Abstracts can be downloaded here

See you all on the 9 November 2021

Visit of the Livestock Feed Limited of Eclosia Group

 The Students of the Certificate of Competency in Poultry Production visited the LFL feed mill to acquaint themselves with the manufacturing process of animal feeds especially poultry feeds. We had the opportunity to see the huge storage bins, the offloading process of the major ingredients, the control room of the manufacturing process, the loading of the feeds in bags and also the bulk feed on lorries. We were also shown the air conditioned room where all feeds manufactured  samples are stored. In the feed analysis lab, the use of the NIR for feed ad fodder analysis were demonstrated. All were topped with a convivial collation in the LFL coffee break room. Merci a LFL.

Welcome to the Food Innovation Lab of the Faculty of Agriculture

 

The Food Innovation Lab will soon be operational.

UoM Innovation Week - The FarmBot of the Faculty of Agriculture

UoM Innovation Week 2021

The second edition of the University of Mauritius’s (UoM) Innovation Week 2021, was Launched on 18 Oct 2021. It’s being held from 18 to 22 October 2021. The  Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth and The Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Mrs Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun, the Vice-Chancellor of the UoM, Professor Dhanjay Jhurry, as well as other eminent personalities were also present.  On this occasion, the Faculty of Agriculture demonstrated how the farm bot functions. 

Mr Shane Hardowar gave a brief to the Prime Minister

In this context, Mr Jugnauth recalled that the launching of the UoM Agritech Park in February 2020 is one commendable initiative that aims to modernise agricultural practices and create new opportunities for strategic public private partnerships. Furthermore, the Prime Minister emphasised that promoting digital entrepreneurship is an essential driver within the innovation system and, in this context, Government is shaping the digital future, developing the knowledge industry and, promoting skills and talent. effectively

The FarmBot

The Model of the AgriTech Park

However, attaining the above goals calls for a multi-stakeholder partnership that includes representatives of academia, industry and the community, he underlined. 

As for the Vice-Chancellor, he underlined that innovation has been the key focus of the new UoM vision and recalled that in 2020, the first UoM Innovation Week was organised and the theme was on the tripartite relationship with stakeholders and on the ecosystem required for innovation to thrive. One of the main recommendations, Professor Jhurry pointed out, was to set up a National Innovation System advocating a three-pronged approach to foster innovation, notably, Macro, Meso and; Micro.

For this second edition, he indicated that the theme ‘Sustainable Innovation in the Making’ was chosen so as to lay emphasis on the innovation capacity of the UoM working closely with stakeholders and how the UoM is contributing

The SmartBite project of the Faculty of Agriculture - A new and healthy product for Breakfast

The Prime Minister Hon. P. Jugnauth, visited the booth of the Faculty of Agriculture showcasing the Smart Bite project, led by Assoc Prof D. Puchooa, Dean of the Faculty. 

The Maniodix and SmartBite  
Product

A team of researchers ( Dr B. Ramasawmy and Dr H. Neetoo)  from the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mauritius formulated a healthy snack bar made from pulses and other low-cost natural ingredients as a healthier alternative to currently available energy dense snack bars. 

Dr Neetoo and Dr Ramasawmy presented the project 
at the UoM Innovation 2021 week

 

In addition to having a higher protein and fibre content compared to commercially available counterparts, the SmartBite snack bar is also considerably lower in fat. The product was developed to respond to all consumer segments requirements including vegetarians and vegans. Various savoury and sweet flavours of the snack bar prototype were subsequently developed by the team. 

Sensory trials carried out with consumers provided a positive feedback both on the palatability of the prototype and its acceptability as a healthy snack. After optimising the formulation, the prototype was subjected to a series of laboratory tests to ascertain its nutritional profile, safety and shelf-life. The product has also been registered under the trademark of Smartbite. 

 

The Nutritional Composition 

The team is currently approaching various SMEs involved in cereal production for potential partnership for the commercial uptake and upscaling of the product. So far they have partnered with DCF Roots to produce and market the product under ManioDix SmartBite. Cassava is also an important ingredient of this product.

For More info click here 

A National Consumer Survey on Food Safety, Food & Nutrition Security, Dietary Diversity and Physical Activity with Reference to the COVID-19 Experience

 

If you are interested in participating in this survey, you can access further information and the survey at https://forms.gle/rMechKG3y5AsB6zv5

If you are interested in participating in this survey, you can access further information and the survey at https://forms.gle/rMechKG3y5AsB6zv5

Centenary Celebrations of the Curepipe Livestock Research Station, FAREI

 

Launching of the Certifcate of Competency in Poultry Production

 

This Programme of Studies has been developed jointly with the Livestock Feed Limited Academy (LFL Academy; member of the Eclosia group). The Certificate of Competency is a tailor-made programme of study, for the LFL contract poultry producers. It covers all technical aspects of poultry production (broiler and table egg), from ‘farm to fork’. 

 

It aims at upgrading the competences of poultry producers to help them improve the efficiency and profitability of their production farms. It will empower the poultry producers to operate on a more ‘professional’ basis, whilst meeting the consumer demand for quality and safe poultry products.

 

In addition the poultry unit of the University Farm has been refurbished by the LFL academy. It will be used both for practicals sessions and research in the poultry sector.

 

 

Teaching of the Animal Production module for the Diploma in Agriculture, Rodrigues

We visited Mrs N. Felicite pig farm situated at Montagne du Sable, and the sheep farm of RRA located on Crab Island, near Plaine Corail Airport. These visits have helped the students to marry the theoretical aspects of the lectures with the practices of the farmers so as to enhance their understanding of the topics discussed, and also improve their knowledge and skills in Animal Production. At Natacha's pig farm, we noted

"L’entretien, l’aménagement des salles ainsi que la biosécurité conforme aux normes, font de la ferme de Natacha Félicité, située à Montagne du Sable à l’est de Rodrigues, l'une des meilleures de l’île. Cette éleveuse est à la fois naisseur et engraisseur ; sa ferme a une capacité de 16 truies et d’une soixantaine de porcelets. « Mon objectif est de moderniser mon élevage en tenant compte des particularités de Rodrigues, et d’obtenir un meilleur rendement tout en gardant un produit sain et de qualité. À long terme, j’aimerais faire de la charcuterie fine et je pense même l’exporter"

Agriculture & Recherche: L’UE appuie l’UoM pour améliorer la recherche

Rs 15 millions de roupies, c’est la somme attribuée à l’Université de Maurice par le ministère de finances pour la création de l’Agri TECH Park. L'objectif est d'offrir une plate-forme de collaboration dans le secteur agro-alimentaire entre le milieu universitaire et diverses parties prenantes dans le développement de produits et services innovants. Ce mercredi 4 mars, la vice-première ministre et ministre de l’éducation Leela Devi Dookhun Luchoomun a procédé au lancement de l’Agri Tech Park en présence de l’ambassadeur de l’Union Européenne Vincent Degert.

Le deuxième volet de cette ceremonie était la signature d’un contrat de subvention de 20 millions de roupies entre Le Vice-Chancelier de L’Université de Maurice et l’Ambassadeur de l’Union européenne (UE); il vise à renforcer les capacités de recherche a la Faculte D'Agriculture de l’Université de Maurice afin d’identifier les produits agricoles mieux adaptés au changement et réduire l’utilisation des pesticides par les agriculteurs. Il s’agit du deuxième projet de recherche agricole dans le contexte du changement climatique que l’UE finance à Maurice, après la signature en février dernier d’un projet de 100 millions de roupies en faveur du FAREI. Lors du lancement du projet, l’Ambassadeur de l’Union européenne auprès de la République de Maurice, Vincent Degert, a déclaré: « Le partenariat entre l’Union européenne et l’Université de Maurice remonte à presque 50 années… L’Université de Maurice a en effet été l’un des tous premiers bénéficiaires d’un soutien européen dans les années 1970. En tant que partenaire fidèle sur lequel Maurice peut compter, nous restons aux côtés du pays en nous engageant de manière déterminée à lutter contre le dérèglement climatique et développer une agriculture intelligente à travers la recherche avec ce nouvel appui à l’Université.» Le projet lancé ce matin a pour objectif de renforcer les capacités de l’Université dans le domaine de la recherche afin de faciliter des pratiques agricoles plus saines tout en protégeant l’environnement. Il sera mis en œuvre par la Faculté de l’Agriculture durant une période de 3 ans. Il consiste à:

• Conduire des analyses moléculaires des pestes et des maladies à Maurice et à Rodrigues;

• Identifier des mesures – basées sur des technologies vertes – qui permettront aux agriculteurs d’utiliser moins d’engrais chimiques tout en maintenant leur rendement;

• Développer le curriculum en vue de lancer un diplôme en “science et technologie agricoles” (Agricultural Science and Technology) pour Rodrigues;

• Developper la filiere laitiere

• Identifier les mesures à prendre pour réduire le gaspillage des produits alimentaires.





Ces travaux de recherche représentent un moyen efficace pour adresser les multiples défis auxquels l’agriculture moderne fait face. Ils permettront aux agriculteurs de mieux s’adapter aux aléas climatiques et de produire plus et mieux en utilisant les mêmes ressources – avec une efficacité accrue. Ils permettront également de réduire l’utilisation de pesticides et autres additifs chimiques, garantissant ainsi la production de produits agricoles plus sains pour la santé des consommateurs.

Ce projet est financé au titre de l’initiative DeSIRA, lancée lors du One Planet Summit en 2018 et dédiée au développement de la recherche dans le domaine de l’agriculture face au changement climatique.

Transformation of Belle Mare into a Climate-Smart Agriculture village for climate resilience, food security, and poverty alleviation of its farmers”

Climate Change is a global challenge, but its impact are affecting developing countries the most. Smallholder agricultural and food producers are being particularly affected, directly as well as indirectly. It is therefore essential to increase their resilience, and ability to adapt, to the changing climate.

The overall aim of this farmer-participative project, funded by the Eurpoean Union under its GCCA+ Flagship Initiative "Supporting CSA for smallholders in the Republic of Mauritius, is to provide support to smallholders in the region of Belle Mare in order to help them transform their present dya conventional agriculture into CSA, namely one that provides them with a sustainable livelihood, contributes to national food security, is productive and climate resilient, while being environment-friendly, and producing lower levels of greenhouse gas emissions.

At the ceremony, field equipment and vehicle will be handed over to planters of the Belle Mare region.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FOOD LOSS AND FOOD WASTE REDUCTION & RECOVERY INITIATIVE Feb 2018-June 2019

INTERNATIONAL ELEMENTARY CERTIFICATE IN HACCP FOR FOOD MANUFACTURING

The Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mauritius is organising the REHIS International Elementary Certificate in HACCP course, as follows:

Target Audience: Students (Diploma, BSc, MSc, MPhil/PhD) of the Faculty of Agriculture, who wish to acquire basic knowledge on HACCP and principles of Hazard Analysis, and obtain a certificate of achievement awarded by the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland, by participating in a 6 hour short course and undertaking a 30 minutes examination.

Click here for more information

Staff Exchange Programme with the University of Osijek, Croatia

A Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mauritius delegation visited the Faculty of Agro-Biotechnical Sciences Osijek from 17 to 24 May 2019. The team was composed of Prof. dr. sc. Sunita Facknath, dr. sc. Shane Hardowar, dr. sc. Swaleha Bibi Hudaa Neetoo, dr. sc. Vishwakalyan Bhoyroo and Nadeem Nazurally. They had the opportunity to get acquainted with the activity and scientific research potential of the Faculty and the Faculty experiments. There were many common themes - from climate change and the impact on agriculture to the cultivation of different cultures and possible professional and scientific cooperation. Cooperation with The Faculty of Agriculture began at the end of 2015, and after several years of communication and cooperation planning, a mobility project was approved through the Erasmus + program, and a two-fold visit was finally realized this year as the FAZOS delegation visited Mauritius in February. In addition to the official part of the visit, guests had the opportunity to participate in the pre-activity of the European Night of Researchers at the Mandićevac faculty trial, visiedt Vukovar and Vinkovci, and enjoy the culinary delights and natural beauties of Osijek, as well as other parts of Slavonia and Baranja.

Written by Vlatka ROZMAN, Daniel HAMAN

Sécurité alimentaire et nutritionnelle - Le projet PRESAN de la COI.

Le Programme régional de sécurité alimentaire et nutritionnelle (PRESAN) est issu d'un partenariat entre la Commission de l'océan Indien (COI),l’Organisation des Nations unies pour l’alimentation et l’agriculture (FAO) et du Fonds international pour le développement agricole (FIDA). Ce projet vise à améliorer la sécurité alimentaire des Etats membres dela COI (Union des Comores, France/Réunion, Madagascar, Maurice,Seychelles) notamment à travers: la promotion de la coopération régional, le développement du commerce inter-îles et l'adoption de régimes alimentaires plus sains. Le point focal pour Ile Maurice est la FAREI.