Revitalizing Agriculture in Mauritius: Challenges, Innovations, and the Role of Education

 

 

 Introduction

Mauritius faces significant challenges in agriculture and food security. Recently, in a meeting we focused on agricultural education, research, and the pressing need to engage youth in agriculture. This conversation is crucial for understanding the broader dynamics of food security and the evolution of farming practices in Mauritius.
 

The Importance of Agriculture and Food Security

The members at the meeting emphasized the importance of agriculture and food security for Mauritius. They highlighted the need to optimize local resources and explore innovative agricultural practices beyond traditional open-field farming. As a small island nation, Mauritius faces unique challenges in land cultivation and resource management, making these discussions particularly relevant.

Challenges in Agricultural Education

One of the key topics was the difficulty of cultivating land due to irrigation issues and other concerns. There is a strong desire to attract young people to the sector, especially through controlled environment agriculture (CEA). There are plans to support students pursuing agriculture by organizing workshops on CEA to educate and incentivize them. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between traditional farming methods and modern, technology-driven practices. Mauritius's tertiary education landscape is diverse, offering students multiple choices for higher education. However, agriculture often loses appeal to fields like IT and finance. Interdisciplinary applications, such as IT in agriculture, are rare but hold potential for innovation.

The Role of the Faculty of Agriculture

The Faculty of Agriculture, with about 300 students, has adapted its programs based on government policy and the country's needs. New programs in agriscience and technology have been introduced, yet there is a noted decline in student enrolment. This decline is attributed to demographic changes and decreased interest in traditional agriculture.

Addressing the Ageing Population and Youth Engagement

The ageing population in agriculture presents a significant challenge. Efforts to convert agriculture students into entrepreneurs and ensure their quick employment post-graduation are crucial. Internships and practical experience are emphasized to enhance job readiness. The government provides various schemes and incentives for young entrepreneurs in agriculture, though follow-up and mentorship need improvement. Lowering entrance requirements and offering foundational courses are among the strategies to attract students to agriculture.

Modern Farming Techniques and Financial Barriers

Modern farming techniques like controlled environment agriculture, smart agriculture, container farming, and vertical farming were discussed. These advanced technologies, including the use of drones, require substantial investment, posing a significant barrier. The high costs associated with container farms were highlighted as an example of the financial challenges faced by young agripreneurs.

 

Research and Innovation in Agriculture

Research and innovation play a vital role in advancing agricultural practices. Projects funded by the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC) and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) focus on areas like aquaponics, bio-pesticides, and bio-farming. These initiatives are crucial for reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and introducing sustainable farming practices in Mauritius.
 

Workforce Challenges and Specialised Skills

The ageing workforce and lack of succession planning within organizations pose significant challenges. There is a shortage of young professionals with specialised
skills in agronomy, plant pathology, and agricultural engineering. New ideas and up-to-date technological expertise are essential for the future of agriculture in Mauritius.
 

Commercialization and Innovation Challenges

Commercializing research is rare, with few projects making it beyond the research phase to market innovations. Successful examples like "ManioDix," a breakfast cereal alternative made from manioc, highlight the potential for research to market transitions. However, scaling up and ensuring commercial viability remain significant challenges. Food security is a critical concern. Initiatives like "ManioDix" and using local crops like cassava and jackfruit for various products underscore the potential for enhancing food security. However, issues related to consistent supply, scalability, and the viability of agriculture compared to other industries like real estate remain.

The Road Ahead

To truly revitalize agriculture in Mauritius, a coordinated effort is needed:

1. Early education: Making agriculture an attractive option from primary school onwards.
2. Practical experience: Emphasizing internships and hands-on learning for university students.
3. Financial support: Developing realistic and sustainable funding models for young agripreneurs, including better follow-up and mentorship for existing schemes.
4. Technology integration: Encouraging the adoption of modern farming techniques through incentives and education.
5. Research-to-market pipeline: Improving the commercialization process for agricultural innovations.
6. Cross-sector collaboration: Fostering partnerships between academia, industry, and government to address challenges holistically.
7. Addressing the skills gap: Focusing on developing specialised skills in areas like agronomy, plant pathology, and agricultural engineering.
8. Exploring interdisciplinary applications: Encouraging the application of skills from other sectors, such as IT, to agriculture.
9. Sustainable practices: Promoting the use of local crops like cassava and jackfruit for various purposes, including food products and potential exports.
10. Balancing land use: Addressing the competition between agriculture and other land uses, such as real estate development.

 Conclusion

The meeting underscored the complexity of revitalizing agriculture in Mauritius. Balancing research, innovation, and commercialization requires collaboration between academia, industry, and government. Overcoming barriers to scalability, supply chain sustainability, and integrating technology in agriculture are essential for enhancing food security and economic resilience in Mauritius. This concerted effort is crucial for ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for the nation's agricultural sector.

Reversing Extinction: Innovative Approaches to Biodiversity Conservation - The DODO De-Extinction Project

The Dodo: An Icon of Extinction

 Recently, the Faculty of Agriculture academic staff had the opportunity to attend an insightful talk on the ambitious dodo de-extinction project. The presentation covered the innovative approaches and technological advancements being employed to bring this iconic species back to life. The main points covered during the talk are discussed, shedding light on the efforts and challenges involved in this groundbreaking conservation initiative.

 The dodo, often regarded as the symbol of extinction, has a compelling story that resonates globally. The project to bring back the dodo is not only about the scientific challenge but also about inspiring a new generation to engage in STEM and conservation sciences. The dodo project serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating what humanity can achieve in reversing the damage it has inflicted on nature. 

One day, we might need to find a new phrase because "as dead as a dodo" won't apply anymore! Imagine a world where we can say, "As common as a dodo" and actually mean it.

The Challenge of Biodiversity Loss

Starting from the 1600s with the onset of colonization, the world has witnessed significant declines in biodiversity, particularly on unique islands. This decline is a pressing global issue, and the efforts to curb extinction have not kept pace with the rate at which species are disappearing. For many, including myself, joining the Philosophy initiative was about finding innovative solutions to an age-old problem: how to effectively address and mitigate the loss of biodiversity.

Grassroots Conservation and De-Extinction

While de-extinction offers exciting possibilities, it is not seen as a silver bullet. Traditional grassroots conservation efforts need robust funding and support. These foundational approaches are essential for accelerating recovery programs and ensuring long-term biodiversity sustainability.

The Sobering Reality of Extinction

The statistics on extinction are alarming. Predictions suggest that by 2050, we could lose nearly half of the mammalian biodiversity we currently have, with up to a million species facing the threat of extinction. This stark reality underscores the urgent need for innovative conservation strategies.
 

De-Extinction: A Technological Pathway to the Future

De-extinction is emerging as a pathway to develop technologies that address future extinction events. Colossal, a pioneering company in this field, aims to make extinction a thing of the past. The mission is not just to reverse extinction events but to restore lost ecological functions and niches within ecosystems. A prime example is the effort to bring back the Tasmanian tiger, an apex predator that once played a crucial role in Tasmania’s ecosystem.
 

The Thylacine and Ecosystem Restoration

One of the fascinating aspects of de-extinction is the potential to recreate species that can restore ecological balance. For instance, by creating a species that closely resembles the thylacine, it’s possible to reintegrate an apex predator into Tasmania, thereby restoring the ecosystem functions it once provided. This also emphasizes the importance of developing technologies and partnering with organizations like the Mauritius Wildlife Foundation to enhance and accelerate ongoing conservation projects.
 

High-Profile Projects: Woolly Mammoth and the Dodo

Colossal made headlines in 2021 with its ambitious project to bring back the woolly mammoth, a keystone species for Pleistocene rewilding and Arctic ecosystem restoration. The thylacine project aims to restore balance in Tasmania’s ecosystem, while the most recent and high-profile project focuses on the dodo.
 

Technological Challenges and Innovations

Birds, unlike mammals, cannot be cloned using current scientific methods. Therefore, developing new technologies is crucial for projects like the dodo. One approach involves extracting primordial germ cells (PGCs) from bird embryos, editing these cells in the lab, and then reintroducing them into embryos to develop into genetically edited birds. This method has shown promise, as demonstrated by successful experiments with ducks and chickens.
 

The Road Ahead: From Nicobar Pigeon to Dodo

To recreate the dodo, scientists plan to use the Nicobar pigeon, its closest living relative. By comparing the genome sequences of Nicobar pigeons and dodos, scientists can identify and edit the necessary genes to recreate dodo-like characteristics. The edited cells will then be injected into developing embryos, with the goal of producing a Nicobar pigeon-dodo hybrid.
 

Overcoming Technological Milestones

Currently, the focus is on developing the right culture conditions for pigeon PGCs. While the techniques exist for chickens and geese, extending these to other bird species is a significant technological milestone. Achieving this will pave the way for similar projects targeting other extinct or endangered birds.
 

Targeting Key Phenotypes

The initial focus for the dodo project is to target specific phenotypes that are characteristic of the dodo, such as size, flightlessness, beak morphology, and color pattern. By sequencing and comparing genomes across related species, researchers can pinpoint the genetic changes needed to recreate these phenotypes.
 

Comparative Genomics and Phenotype Mapping

Large-scale comparative genomics analyses help narrow down the genome regions responsible for the desired phenotypes. This process involves sequencing genomes of related pigeons and making the data publicly available to aid conservation efforts. Identifying genotype-to-phenotype relationships is crucial for predicting and achieving the desired traits in the recreated species.
 

Testing Hypotheses and Making Progress

One advantage of working with birds is the ability to test genetic hypotheses early in development. By injecting edited cells into the neural crest of embryos, researchers can observe the effects on craniofacial development without fully developing the bird. This accelerates the process of validating genetic edits and refining the techniques needed for successful de-extinction.

Advancing the Dodo Project

One of the fascinating processes involved in the dodo project is the collection of primordial germ cells (PGCs) from developing embryos. By carefully targeting tiny arteries within the embryo, scientists can extract a small amount of blood containing sufficient PGCs for the editing process. This precision and care are vital steps in moving from molecular biology to creating a healthy animal capable of interacting with its environment.

The Importance of Collaboration and Rewilding

The restoration of the dodo is not merely about bringing an animal back to life but also about ensuring it thrives in its natural habitat. Partnerships with organizations like the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation are crucial for the successful rewilding of the dodo. Engaging with local communities and governments, understanding their needs, and integrating their expertise are vital steps in this journey.

The Role of Conservation Partners

The collaboration with conservation partners in Mauritius, such as the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, highlights the importance of integrating local knowledge and ongoing conservation efforts. Visiting conservation sites like Black River Gorges National Park and surrounding islands showcases the potential for these areas to support rewilding efforts. The work already being done with species like the pink pigeon and echo parakeet provides a foundation upon which the dodo project can build.

Colossal Species Model and Technological Innovations

The Colossal species model emphasizes the creation of technological innovations that benefit both de-extinction projects and current conservation efforts. The development of genome sequencing, biobanking, and gene editing techniques not only aids in bringing back extinct species but also supports the conservation of endangered species. Sharing these advancements with conservation partners ensures that the benefits extend beyond the initial projects.

Applying Lessons Learned to Current Conservation

The technological advancements made in the dodo project have immediate applications for ongoing conservation efforts. For example, understanding and editing the genomes of pigeons can directly benefit the pink pigeon recovery program. By reintroducing genetic diversity lost due to inbreeding, scientists can enhance the health and resilience of current pigeon populations.

The Broader Impact on Bird Conservation

Birds are among the most endangered species globally, and the tools developed through de-extinction projects can significantly impact bird conservation efforts worldwide. Developing gene editing techniques for birds not only aids in recreating extinct species but also addresses the genetic challenges faced by endangered bird populations today.

The Future of Conservation Funding

The influx of venture capital into conservation projects through companies like Colossal represents a new paradigm in funding conservation efforts. This investment supports the development of innovative tools and technologies that traditional conservation funding may not cover. The collaboration between venture capital and conservation efforts creates new opportunities for preserving biodiversity.

 

In conclusion, the journey to reverse extinction through innovative technologies and collaborative efforts offers hope for the future of biodiversity. By integrating scientific advancements with grassroots conservation and local expertise, projects like the dodo rewilding initiative demonstrate the potential to restore lost species and protect our planet’s natural heritage for generations to come.

And who knows? One day, we might find ourselves with a real-life "Jurassic Park"—but with dodos instead of dinosaurs! Imagine a world where we can say, "As rare as a dodo" and actually mean it in a hopeful way. Just remember, if you ever see a dodo crossing the street, give it the right of way. It's been through a lot to get here!

We wish the scientific team a successfu journey to bring at least a Proxy DODO in Mauritius.

 

 

Ecopec Food Freshness Retainer (A natural coating to enhance the shelf-life of fresh fruits and vegetables)

 

 

Introductory Remarks

This presentation made by Assoc Prof B.Ramasawmy Molaye of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mauritius, discusses a research project funded by the Higher Education Commission in 2018, completed in 2022, and extended through the work of a PhD student. The focus of the presentation is on commercialization rather than the technical details. The project developed "EcoPEC Food Freshness Retainer" a trademarked product of the University of Mauritius aimed at extending the shelf life of minimally processed fruits and vegetables using Rodriguan lime peel extract and pectin from citrus fruits.

 Key Motivations for conducting the project "EcoPEC Food Freshness Retainer"

• Reducing Food Waste: A primary driver of the project was to address the significant issue of food loss and waste, particularly in the fruit and vegetable value chain. By extending the shelf life of these products, the project aimed to reduce the amount of perishable produce that is discarded due to spoilage.

• Enhancing Food Preservation: The project focused on developing a novel, natural coating to enhance the preservation of minimally processed fruits and vegetables. This was especially relevant for perishable items that have a short shelf life, like strawberries and pineapples.

• Sustainable Practices: The use of Rodriguan lime peel extract and pectin from citrus fruits indicates a commitment to sustainability. By utilizing natural and potentially waste-derived materials, the project aimed to contribute to a more sustainable and circular economy.

• Local Relevance and Application: In Mauritius, where the project was based, there was a noted absence of locally applied coatings to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. Much of the available produce, especially imported fruits, come pre-coated. This project sought to develop a local solution to this global problem.

• Economic Benefits: Extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables can have significant economic benefits. It can reduce costs related to spoilage and waste for producers, retailers, and consumers. Additionally, it can enhance the profitability of local agricultural products by making them more appealing and longer-lasting in the market.

• Health and Nutritional Value: By keeping fruits and vegetables fresh for longer, the project also aimed to preserve their nutritional value, ensuring that consumers have access to healthier food options.

• Innovation in Food Technology: The project represented an innovation in food technology, combining research in biochemistry and food science to create a product that could have a real-world impact on food preservation practices.

• Potential for Commercial Success: With the focus on commercialization, the project aimed not only to develop a scientifically effective product but also one that could succeed in the market, offering new business opportunities and potentially leading to job creation, including the offer made to the PhD student involved in the project.

 Key Points of the Presentation

Project Overview: The project explored the use of a coating derived from Rodriguan lime peel extract and pectin to enhance the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. This coating was applied to minimally processed products like pineapples and strawberries.

• Phase One of the Project: The initial phase focused on testing the coating on fresh-cut fruits and vegetables like pineapples, strawberries and pumpkin.
  

• Motivation: Addressing food loss and waste in the fruit and vegetable value chain was a key motivator. The project aimed to offer a unique solution for extending shelf life, especially in Mauritius, where most coatings are applied to imported fruits.

• Project Outcomes: The presentation highlighted the potential of the coating to reduce waste and extend the shelf life of products like pineapples, strawberries, and pumpkins by 11–13 days, which is significant for retailers and processors.

   

  
  
  
  
  
  

•   Collaboration and Machine Design: Collaboration with Assoc Prof Dr Haree Ramaswamy of the Faculty of Engineering led to the design of a machine for applying the coating industrially.

  
   Focus Group Findings: A focus group with key actors in the fruit and vegetable value chain showed a positive response towards the coating, with a willingness to pay for it and potential job offers for the PhD student involved.

• Commercialization and Trademark: The "Ecotech Food Freshness Retainer” is a trademarked product, with efforts underway for commercialization. The speaker acknowledged challenges in commercializing the product and outlined plans to overcome them.

• Future Work: Future phases include further testing for cytotoxicity and application of the coating to the Rodriguan lime itself, aiming to reduce waste during shipping.

Cost Analysis:In the presentation, specific figures were mentioned regarding the cost of producing the coating developed in the project, as well as its selling price. These figures were provided in Mauritian Rupees (MUR). Here are the key financial details:

• Cost of Producing the Coating: It was estimated that producing one kilogram (1 kg) of the coating powder, referred to as "Eco Pack powder," would cost around 829 Mauritian Rupees.

• Initial Investment: The speaker mentioned an initial investment of approximately 872,000 Mauritian Rupees for the production setup.

• Reconstitution into Solution: One kilogram of the Eco Pack powder could be reconstituted into 33 litres of the coating solution.

• Application Volume: This volume of solution was sufficient to coat approximately 165 kilograms of fruits and vegetables, though this could vary depending on the size and type of produce.

• Projected Retail Price: The estimated selling price for the coating is around 1006 Mauritian Rupees per kg at the retail level (or MUR 914/kg if sold to agricultural input suppliers as a distributor).