Seeds in the potato value chain in Mauritius

Les semences dans la filière pomme de terre à Maurice

Jean-François Bélières (), Sandeere Sunassee, Emmanuel Jouen, Vashist Aujayeb and Satyabhama Lutchoomun
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Jean-François Bélières: Cirad - Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement, UMR ART-Dev - Acteurs, Ressources et Territoires dans le Développement - Cirad - Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement - UPVM - Université Paul-Valéry - Montpellier 3 - UPVD - Université de Perpignan Via Domitia - UM - Université de Montpellier - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
Sandeere Sunassee: FAREI - Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute
Emmanuel Jouen: UMR PVBMT - Peuplements végétaux et bioagresseurs en milieu tropical - Cirad - Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement - IRD - Institut de Recherche pour le Développement - UR - Université de La Réunion - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement, Cirad-BIOS - Département Systèmes Biologiques - Cirad - Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement, Cirad - Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement
Vashist Aujayeb: FAREI - Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute
Satyabhama Lutchoomun: FAREI - Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute

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Abstract: The specific aim of the FoodSec-Semence project (2021-2025) in the Indian Ocean is to improve farmers' access to quality seeds and seedlings. In Mauritius, the project focuses on two crops considered strategic at national level: potatoes and beans. This report presents the results obtained for potatoes under Activity 1, which aims to acquire in-depth knowledge of the seed industry, the agro-economic context and farmers' seed needs and expectations. Surveys were carried out in 2022 among the main stackholders in the potato, consumption and seed sectors, and in particular among growers and consumers. In-depth bibliographical work enabled us to draw up a detailed general framework and an updated presentation of the seed system, which is currently being reorganized. The surveys carried out enabled us to update existing analyses of the sector and produce data on the production practices and costs of the two main types of grower: corporates and small and mediumsized growers. The potato sector plays an important role in public policies for agricultural development and food security. It is largely supported by a State with substantial resources and a long-term political will. The general context is favorable to the development of national production. However, production has fallen over the last ten years, due to a decline in the area under cultivation, a drop in the number of small and medium-sized growers, and stagnating yields. Apparent potato consumption has risen over the last ten years, with the greatest increase for processed potatoes (frozen French fries). The potato seed sub-sector is an essential link in this chain, particularly in terms of food security. At present, seed production/multiplication represents just under 30% of needs, which is already a substantial level, and provides the necessary institutions and organization, from the creation of improved varieties to the distribution of certified seed. National production of certified seed should increase, even if constraints remain high. The results of a simulation carried out with assumptions that prolong trends indicate that seedling production could reach 50% of requirements in 2031, i.e. 1,125 tonnes (and considerably more if the processing sector develops in Mauritius). The main results were presented and discussed at a feedback workshop, which initiated further work (Food- Sec semence activity 5) on a participatory development plan for seed potato production.

Keywords: Mauritius; Potato value chain; Seed system; Production cost; Indian Ocean; Filière pomme de terre; Système semencier; Coût de production; Océan Indien; Maurice (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023-06
Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-04741543v1
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Published in CIRAD-FAREI. 2023

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