Greenhouse Farming in Mauritius: Tackling Climate Challenges for Year-Round Harvests

This article delves into the challenges Mauritius' unique geography and climate pose for agricultural production. It details how greenhouse technology, through precise environmental control, effectively addresses these challenges, enabling efficient year-round cultivation of tropical crops. It shares case studies of greenhouse cultivation for tropical produce like peppers, cherry tomatoes, and muskmelons, highlights successful local greenhouse experiences in Mauritius, and finally recommends suitable film greenhouse structures and systems for Mauritius' climate, offering solutions for sustainable local agriculture.

1. Impact of Mauritius’ Climate on Agriculture

As a tropical island nation, Mauritius’ agricultural production is heavily constrained by its climatic conditions. Major challenges include:

• Changing rainfall patterns: Annual average precipitation shows a long-term declining trend, increasing the risks of droughts and floods, which directly affect crop growth.

  
  

• Rising temperatures: Lead to shorter crop growth cycles, reduced yields, and increased incidence of pests and diseases.

  
  

• Low food self-sufficiency rate: Approximately 200,000 tons of grain need to be imported annually, with dairy products and beef heavily reliant on imports.

  
  

Although agriculture accounts for 4.4% of GDP and provides over 30,000 jobs, traditional agricultural models are under significant pressure. Developing climate-smart agriculture (CSA) has become an urgent need, with greenhouse technology being a key solution.

2. Advantages of Greenhouse Technology

Greenhouses create an ideal microclimate through precise environmental control, enabling year-round cultivation:

• Temperature and humidity control: Automatic ventilation systems (film-rolling/fan and pad systems) and heating equipment (heaters) maintain a suitable environment. For example, peppers require daytime temperatures of 25–30°C and nighttime temperatures of 20°C.

  
  

• Light management: Shade nets prevent scorching from strong light, while supplemental lighting ensures photosynthesis. Sensors regulate light intensity in real time.

  
  

• Disaster and disease resistance: Enclosed structures protect against extreme weather and physically isolate pests, reducing pesticide use.

  
  

• Efficient resource utilization: Drip irrigation and fertigation techniques save water and fertilizer, improving efficiency.

3. Case Studies of Tropical Crop Cultivation in Greenhouses

3.1 Pepper Cultivation

Select varieties tolerant to low temperatures and resistant to diseases. Precise control of temperature and humidity (25–30°C daytime, 20°C nighttime) prevents mold growth. Application of sufficient organic base fertilizer before transplanting ensures healthy growth.

3.2 Cherry Tomato Cultivation

Greenhouses effectively protect against rain and insects, but attention must be paid to heat stress in summer. Nighttime temperatures should not fall below 12.8°C (auxiliary heating may be required). Environmental sensors ensure stable production year-round.

3.3 Muskmelon Cultivation

Sensitive to humidity, ideal temperatures are 27–30°C daytime and 18–20°C nighttime. Greenhouses equipped with trellises guide vines, improve ventilation, and reduce continuous cropping obstacles.

Other successful cases include "southern fruit northern planting" of tropical fruits (e.g., bananas, dragon fruit) as well as greenhouse watermelon and apple cultivation in Thailand and Malaysia.

4. Greenhouse Agriculture Practices in Mauritius

Several successful local initiatives include:

• Hydroponic greenhouse projects: A 3,600-square-meter hydroponic greenhouse is planned for growing vegetables and melons.

  
  

• Promotion of polycarbonate greenhouses: Offers better insulation, durability, and light transmission compared to traditional film greenhouses.

  
  

• Policy support: The government launched the "Sheltered Farming Scheme," providing technical support and financial grants to nearly 60 growers.

  
  

• Market potential: Growing demand for high-efficiency models like hydroponics and increased consumer demand for high-quality agricultural products.

5. Recommended Greenhouse Structures and Systems

Film greenhouses are suitable for promotion in Mauritius due to their low cost and ease of maintenance:

5.1 Structural Features

• Main structure made of hot-dip galvanized steel pipes, stable and compression-resistant.

  
  

• Single/double-layer film covering (PVC/PE/EVA film), with double-layer providing better insulation.

  
  

• Multi-span gutter-connected pointed arch design for effective drainage.

  
  

5.2 Smart Systems

• Automatic ventilation: Film-rolling systems combined with environmental sensors for intelligent regulation of temperature and humidity.

  
  

• Light management: Choice of transparent or diffusive films, supplemented with artificial lighting.

  
  

• Pest and condensation control: Integrated insect nets and condensation collection systems to reduce disease incidence.

  
  

• Automated control: Remote monitoring of CO₂, humidity, temperature, and other parameters via mobile APP/computer for precise regulation.

Conclusion

Greenhouse agriculture, through precise environmental control, helps Mauritius effectively address climate change challenges, improve food self-sufficiency, and ensure sustainable agricultural development. Promoting film greenhouses and smart systems, combined with policy support and local experience, is expected to achieve year-round high yield and quality production of tropical crops.