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Dissemination of Blue and Green Innovation initiatives
8 April 2025
A seminar was organised to disseminate the results of two MRIC-funded initiatives.
Vermicompost and Associated Derivatives
Organic waste is a highly valuable product which is currently being used around the world in the production of numerous products from food, animal feed, cosmetics, bioplastics and organic fertilisers. Vermicompost is a key input worldwide in the production of organic farms which supply quality healthy food. At Nature Technics Ltd, Mr Oudesh Bapoo and his team started an innovative worm farm in the Valley de Ferney AgriHub where the conditions are ideal for such a set up.
Smart Agricultural Nutrients- Bio-Innovative Co-Composting of Seaweed and Fish waste
Seaweed is a highly valuable product which is currently being used around the world in the production of numerous products from food, animal feed, cosmetics, bioplastics, and organic fertilisers. The research project investigated the potential use of shore-washed seaweed into production of enhanced high-nutrient seaweed compost for commercial applications. The research also investigated addition of fish waste to seaweed as bio-inputs (bio-bulking agents and bio-enhancers) and different production protocols.
10 June 2025
A seminar was carried out to disseminate the results of two MRIC-funded initiatives.
Building capacity to determine optimal post-harvest and processing practices for the production of quality cocoa beans and fine flavoured cocoa derived products in Mauritius
The project promoted the production of high-quality fine flavoured cocoa products for a premium market. A study was carried out to assess the effect of different fermentation and sun drying durations on cocoa beans of these accessions. The project was carried out by Mrs Yogeeta Luchoomun from Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (FAREI) with the collaboration of local cocoa producers.
Plant-assisted bacterial bioremediation as an innovative approach for targeting crude oil degradation
Initiated by Axonova Ltd, the project started in August 2021 and was successfully completed in June 2025. The seminar was held at the premises of the MRIC on 10 June 2025, bringing together the Executive Director of the MRIC, Professor Theesan Bahorun, Project Leader Dr Piteesha Ramlagan, Chief Scientific Officer Dr Shameem Fawdar, and representatives from various institutions and Ministries.
During the event, Dr Piteesha Ramlagan presented the key findings and outcomes of the project, which focused on developing a natural and innovative approach to mitigating the environmental, social, and economic impacts of oil pollution resulting from the MV Wakashio oil spill.
As a way forward the project team will work closely with relevant institutions, such as the Mauritius Oceanography Institute (MOI), to share knowledge, resources and expertise. Discussions are already underway to build these partnerships. Data from the project will also be shared with universities and other organisations to support further research and collaboration. These efforts will help the project continue making an impact and encourage innovation beyond its initial period.
24 July 2025
Developing a Container Farm for Enhancing Food Security
A half-day seminar was organised to showcase the outcomes of the project funded under the Innovation Boost Grant Scheme within the Blue and Green Innovation thematic area. The project was initiated by Prodesign Facilities Ltd and commenced in July 2023.
The project introduced an innovative IoT-enabled farming solution aimed at enhancing food security in Mauritius. It successfully established a sustainable vertical farming system capable of producing a variety of crops efficiently while minimising the use of land, water, and energy resources.
Through the integration of IoT technology, the farm can monitor and regulate key environmental parameters, including temperature, humidity, and lighting, thereby optimising crop growth and productivity. The project also included collaboration with local farmers, providing training and technical support to facilitate the adoption of the technology.
This initiative marks a significant step towards modernising agriculture in Mauritius by strengthening local food production, reducing environmental impact, and creating new opportunities within the agricultural sector.
By Dr P Veer Ramjeawon, Dr N Savoo-Calotte, Ms K Sudhun and Mrs M Seetaram Mooloo
