HIGH POWERED COMMITTEE
ON
PIG FARMING
ACTIVITIES
IN
MAURITIUS AND RODRIGUES
FINAL REPORT
VOLUME 1
Study on the relocation of pig breeding activities
and the introduction of Integrated Farming
System In Mauritius and Rodrigues
FINAL REPORT
Part 1 : Mauritius
Terms of Reference
Membership
Chapter 1 Introduction
1.1 Background
1.2 Approach and Methodology
1.3 Census Survey of Pig Breeding Activities in Mauritius
1.4 Meetings and Visits
Chapter 2 Technical and Management aspects
2.1Pig production Techniques
2.1.1 Pig Breeding
2.1.2 Pig Fattening
2.1.3 Recommended Guidelines
2.2 Review of Current Practice
2.2.1 The Bassin Requin Pig Farm
2.2.2 The St. Martin Pig Farm
2.2.3 Roche Bois
2.2.4 Remedial Projects
2.3 Integrated Farming System
2.3.1 General
2.3.2 The value of IFS
2.3.3 Description of an IFS System
2.4 The Union Ducray Farm
2.4.1 The System tried
2.4.2 The University of Mauritius Report
2.4.3 Views of the Ministry of Health
2.4.4 Views of the Committee
2.5 Composting-Preliminary Studies on Pig Wastes
Chapter 3 Socio-Economic Aspects
3.1 Economic Importance of Pig Farming
3.2 Socio-economic profile
3.3 Costs of Production
3.3.1 Cost of production of one weaner piglet
3.3.2 Cost of production of one fattened pig
3.4 Relocation of Pig Farming Activities from Roche Bois
3.4.1Comparative costs/benefits of different
scenarios
3.4.2 Other alternatives
Chapter 4 Legal Aspects
4.1 Background
4.2 New Draft Pig Breeding Regulation, 2001
4.3 Views of the High Powered Committee
4.4 The HPC’s Recommendations on Legal Aspects
Chapter 5 Proposals and Recommendations
Part 2: Rodrigues
Chapter 6 Introduction
6.1 Background
Chapter 7 Technical and Management Aspects
7.1 Pig breeding
7.1.1 Baie Topaze Livestock Production Unit
7.2 Fattening and Marketing of fattened pigs
7.3 Advice to Farmers
7.4 Review of current practices
7.5 Environmental Impact of pig farming activities
7.6 The Fond La Bonte Project
7.7 Composting – An alternative method of waste
handling
7.7.1 The Concept
7.7.2 Use of pig compost in Rodriguan Agriculture
Chapter 8 Socio –economic aspects
8.1 Economic outlook
8.2 Agriculture
8.3 Livestock
8.4 Socio-economic profile
8.5 Cost of Production
8.6 Scope /Prospects of pig industry in Rodrigues
Chapter 9 Legal Aspects
9.1 Introduction
9.2 Legislation
Chapter 10 Proposals and Recommendations
Part 1
Mauritius
Terms of Reference
In June 2001 Government set up a high powered committee to carry out an
in-depth study on all issues pertaining to pig farming activities in Mauritius and
Rodrigues, and to make recommendations with regards to relocation of pig
breeding activities, and the introduction of Integrated Farming System.
The committee is considering the following issues:
(a) The high polluting nature of pig farming and considering the scarcity of
land;
(b) The general economic evolution of the country and the opportunities of
the other development alternatives;
(c) The economic viability of implementing an Integrated Farming System
bearing in mind that pig units themselves would have to meet the costs
involved, including waste disposal facilities;
(d) To assess the Sanitary and Public Health impact of these technologies on
the food chain;
(e) The socio-economic aspect of pig farming activities; and
(f) The elements of a new legislative framework.
Membership
The Committee is made up of the following members:
Dr. B.K. Baguant
Associate Professor, Faculty of Engineering,
University of Mauritius (Chairman);
Mrs V. Nababsing
Adviser, Ministry of Finance (from June to August
2001);
Mr. D. Mootien
Adviser, Ministry of Finance (from September
2001);
Mrs D . Lan Ng
Deputy Director, Ministry of Environment;
Dr. R. Naseeven
Principal Research and Development Officer,
Ministry of Agriculture, F.T. & N.R.
Mr.R.S. Veeramundar
Senior Economist, Ministry of Economic
Development, F.S. & C.A.
Mr. C. Mooneeramsing
Research and Development Officer
Ministry of Agriculture (Secretary).
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
In April 2001 a Technical Advisory Committee under the aegis of the Ministry
of Environment highlighted the main problems of the pig industry in a policy
paper on pig farming. Available statistics for the past five years (see annex I )
indicate that the average annual consumption of pig meat and derived
products is of the order of 2,413 tonnes of which 1,537 tonnes (65%) is
constituted of frozen meat and transformed products of superior quality
imported from South Africa , Zimbabwe and other countries.
Per capita consumption, as shown in Table (i) has not changed over the past
five years and remains in the order of 0.8kg to 1.0 kg per head per year.
Compared to the other meat and products consumed, pig meat represents a
relatively small share of all meat consumed locally. This is in part due to its
consumption by relatively few Mauritians. The other meat consumed show
increasing trend over the past five years (refer to Figure I) with the largest
increase in poultry meat.
The 35% local production of relatively lower quality meat is undertaken by
about 434 farmers operating in Bassin Requin, Roche Bois, St. Martin and in
various parts of the country in a generally unprofessional way characterized
by poor husbandry practices, infrastructural inadequacies and haphazard
disposal of wastes generating acute pollution problems like odour, fly and
rodent proliferation, soil and water contamination and smokes. Thus, due to
increasing environmental and sanitary pressure the sector will have to evolve
towards an improved system where the use of modern and effective
technologies within the context of a redefined and updated legal framework
will help to eliminate or minimize its negative impact on the environment.
It has been suggested that a rational relocation of pig farming activities
presently scattered in the rural and peri-urban areas will be the right
opportunity to operate a radical transformation in terms of modernisation of
the pig farming system. Reference has been made to the Integrated Farming
System which is perceived by a number of people as being one of the options
available to the sector for achieving sustainable pig farming. This is fully
addressed in chapter 2.
Table (i) : Per capita consumption of different meat types (1995-2000)
Meat
kg /year
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
Cattle
4.94
5.07
4.23
5.94
5.97
6.19
Goat & sheep
4.36
4.74
4.77
4.25
4.56
4.73
Pig
0.87
1.03
0.96
0.87
0.84
0.95
Poultry
17.46
17.83
18.51
16.43
17.98
21.90
Game
0.51
0.49
0.49
0.44
0.44
0.43
Figure 1 : Per capita consumption of meat 1995-2000
25.00
kg/year
20.00
15.00
10.00
5.00
0.00
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
YEAR
Cattle
Goat & sheep
Pig
Poultry
Game
2000
2001
1.2 Approach and Methodology
The task was broken down into three broad items listed below,
to be
addressed in order of priority. The island of Mauritius has been considered
first, especially in the light of the acute problems faced in some areas like St.
Martin and Roche Bois. A visit was effected to Rodrigues in early February
2002 to gather baseline information, and to organise the conduct of a sample
survey amongst pig breeders to collect technical, social and economic data
relevant to the sector of activity.
(i) Technical and Management Aspects :
For the purpose of this study the detailed classification of scale of production
is based on total number of heads of pigs inclusive of sows and newborn
piglets and it follows classification already adopted by the Policy Paper i.e.,
Small scale
less than 20 ,
Medium scale
between 20 and 100 and
Industrial scale
more than 100.
Techniques of pig production are described and the current situation in terms
of production technology, husbandry practices, waste management and
disposal and product quality is reviewed.
(ii)
Socio- Economic Aspects
Evaluation is made of aspects such as; the importance of the sector, viability,
environmental impact and sustainability, resource requirements, outputs and
cost to the society. The socio-economic profile of pig farmers provides useful
information on their educational level, social background, importance of pig
farming from the socio-economic point of view and the structural set up for
production and marketing.
(iii)
Legal Aspects
Existing laws governing this sector have been appraised. The draft Pig
Breeding Regulation 2001 has been thoroughly examined and appropriate
recommendations have been proposed.
1.3 Census Survey of Pig Breeding Activities in Mauritius
In June 2001, the representative of the Ministry of Commerce and
Cooperatives has apprised the High Powered Committee of the Ministry’s
intention to conduct a comprehensive survey of the pig breeding sector. The
Committee agreed that the findings of such survey would be essential to
conduct and complete the task assigned to it.
The census was eventually carried out during the month of April 2002. The
main highlights of the methodology are as follows:
(i)
All active pig breeders were enumerated.
(ii)
The unit of observation was the pig sty.
(iii)
Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire (see
annex XVI) approved by the Cooperative Division.
(iv)
Field officers of AREU conducted the data collection.
(v)
Enumerators were given a half day training on interview
techniques and filling of questionnaire.
(vi)
Data collection was supervised by officers of AREU.
(vii)
Verified questionnaires were submitted to the Cooperative
Division.
Of the 502 farmers, 415 are full time breeders, 19 are part timers whereas the
remaining 68 have ceased pig farming activities. Upon receipt of the
completed questionnaires at the Central Information Systems Division (CISD)
a data capture application was devised, using the IMP’s software (a software
supplied by the U.S Bureau of Census for the processing of social surveys).
After the completion of the data capture by the Data Entry Section the data
was cleared and validated to a limited extent in order to remove
inconsistencies and thereafter tabulations were issued according to the
requirements of the High Powered Committee.
1.4 Meetings and Visits
The first meeting was held on 12th June 2001. A total of 24 meetings was
held. Stakeholders concerned have been heard.
Several site visits have also been effected by members of the committee. The
objectives of the visits were to see de visu and gather information on all
stages of operation from rearing to slaughter and marketing. The different
sites visited and stakeholders convened are listed in annexes (II) and (III).
During the different meetings and visits effected issues raised with the
stakeholders were related to the following main aspects: the daily routine on
the farm, i.e., swills collection and preparation, the feeding methods,
maintenance of the sties and the general husbandry practices, problem of
solid/liquid wastes disposal, pollution to the environment, nuisances to nearby
residents and sanitary implications. Were also raised issues pertaining to
marketing of finished animals, conditions in which they are slaughtered at the
central abatoir, the carcass quality and the market structure. Furthermore,
questions relating to the technique of waste treatment and possible risks to
human health associated with food production using the IFS system were
raised with promoters of the Union Ducray Farm.
CHAPTER 2
TECHNICAL AND MANAGEMENT ASPECTS
2.1 Pig Production
Pig production is basically a two-component process: the breeding process
and the fattening process.
2.1.1 Pig Breeding
This involves production of piglets. It is a long term investment with high
technical inputs. Selected males and females are reared on controlled diets
until they are 8-9 months old or 100 kg liveweight when they are ready for
breeding. Care is taken in order to avoid inbreeding. Record keeping is very
important.
The gestation length is of 114 days. Thus, technically a sow well taken care of
can farrow 2.5 times yearly and the litter size can reach 10-12 piglets. The
new born piglets are given an iron injection and are artificially heated to keep
them warm for around 35 days. They are milk-fed supplemented with creep
feed until 56 days (i.e., 8 weeks) when they are weaned at an average
weaning weight of 16-18 kg.
The optimum level of feeding, as far as the sow is concerned, is normally
based on the maintenance requirement of the animal, its physiological state (
i.e., whether pregnant or lactating) and the litter size. This will ensure
maximum productivity and survival among the piglets.
As far as waste generation is concerned it will be mostly for the sows at the
rate of 1.5 kg dry matter ( 7-8 kg fresh matter) per head daily. Infrastructural
amenities like creep area, farrowing crates are important in any pig breeding
enterprise.
2.1.2 Pig Fattening
This is simpler and relatively less technical than the breeding process. It
involves rearing weaned piglets on a fattening regime until they 90-100 kg
liveweight in about 6 months when they are ready for the market. All finished
animals are normally sent to the Mauritius Meat Authority where they are
slaughtered and distributed to butchers round the island.
Waste is generated at a rate of 1.0 kg dry matter (5.0 kg fresh matter) per
head per day.
2.1.3 Recommended Guidelines
In technical guidelines for pig production recommended by the Ministry of
Agriculture, Food Technology and Natural Resources emphasis is put on the
following aspects:
(I)
Selection : The need for proper selection of breeding stock is very
important. It is recommended to select animals which are offsprings
of high producers and which are the results of a good breeding
programme involving recognised and well established breeds. They
should be properly inspected to make sure that they do not have
undesired physical defects.
(II)
Housing: A good housing system should aim at offering maximum
comfort to the pigs. It must provide for easy cleaning, good
drainage, control of extreme temperatures, humidity, air movement
and sunlight. It should be built on the best drained part of the land
and be oriented perpendicular to the direction of the prevailing
winds. The floor should be in concrete, not too smooth nor too
rough. Appropriate models for breeding and for fattening are
available. Special provisions like farrowing crates and creep area
should need proper attention in a pig breeding enterprise.
(III)
Feeding: Feeding is the most costly item in pig production. Pigs
need a well balanced diet in terms of appropriate amounts of
carbohydrate, protein, vitamins, minerals and roughage. It is
important that pigs are fed concentrates manufactured by local feed
factories. Feed tables indicating the recommended feeding regimes
at different stages of growth and production are available (i.e., for
growing animals, pregnant sows, suckling sows, boars, piglets and
fatteners) at the Ministry of Agriculture.
(IV)
Management of breeding stock: Performance of replacement
animals should be closely monitored for early detection of defects.
Animals with defects should be promptly culled. The management
of mating programme requires skill. Animals should be bred at the
optimal time for maximum conception and piglets production.
Mating should be controlled to avoid close breeding or inbreeding.
Unproductive or poor productive animals must be culled as soon as
possible.
(V)
Health: In addition to providing the animals with a healthy
environment it is important that they are kept free from parasites
like worms and ectoparasites, and diseases, in particular, swine
fever.
2.2 Review of current practice
Most of the farmers(95%) are involved in fattening while some 50% also
produce their own piglets. Only few farmers (<5%) specialize in pig breeding
for sale to other pig fattening operators. The piglets are weaned at 6 weeks of
age when they are around 15 kg liveweight. The most common breed being
large white representing 87% of the population.
As regards the types of housing, 45% of farmers rear their animals in closed
sties and about 50% operate in a semi-open type of structure. Only seven of
the farmers surveyed keep their animals completely in the open. The main
building materials used are concrete, iron sheets and wood. The roofs of the
sties are mostly in iron sheets while 73% of the walls and 95% of the floors
are in concrete. In spite of these being in concrete many cases (30%) of poor
drains and floor conditions were reported. Provisions for drinking and feeding
facilities were inadequate in 15% of farmers surveyed.
Most of the farmers segregate their animals in different categories which are
housed and managed separately. Thus, according to the census, almost 50%
of the farmers have separate pens for rearing of piglets, fattening of weaners
or for housing dry sows. Also, around 60% of farmers have special pens for
pregnant sows (farrowing pens) and for boars. This indicates a good
knowledge of housing requirement for breeding. However, given that half of
the housing areas were reported to be below 50 m² the farmers must be
having problem of overcrowding quite often as breeding sows are highly
prolific. A few farmers(15%), however, mix all animals in common pens.
As far as feeding is concerned more than 90% farmers reported using
concentrates available on the market. The latter is heavily diluted with other
easily available cheaper items often of lower nutritional value like crop
residues, swill feeds, offals, wheat bran and rice sweepings. By so doing, the
producers manage to maximize their profit margin though the quality of pig
meat finally produced may be inferior. Water used by 80% of farmers is piped
water. Less than 10% farmers rely on other sources like canals, boreholes,
and rivers.
Cleaning of sties is a daily routine for almost 90% of farmers and the methods
commonly employed are scraping and flushing with abundant water. The solid
wastes are disposed of as follows: 28% of farmers disposed them together
with effluents, 22 % of them stored in pits, 27 % stacked in the open, 15%
burn after drying. As for the liquid wastes the disposal is effected as follows:
24 % of the farmers reported disposing it through surface drain, 62% use
absorption pit while only 3% have a septic tank. Two per cent of farmers
even reported disposing it in the main sewer.
Wrong waste disposal, odour, noise, smokes generated by burning wood and
other combustibles during feed preparation are cited as major nuisances
arising from pig rearing. 16% of farmers admit having received complaints
from neighbours and some 10% of them have received notice from the
Sanitary office.
The general observation is that the production and management techniques
adopted by most of the farmers do not follow recommended guidelines for pig
production. It is to be noted that only 10% have recourse to extension
services and 25% to veterinary services though available free of charge.
Waste management is almost inexistent. Wastes are released directly in the
environment. In response to actions taken by the Sanitary Authority farmers
taken in contravention pay the relevant fines (not exceeding Rs1,000 ) which
is not much of a deterrent.
2.2.1 The Bassin Requin Pig Farm
The farm was set up in 1993. Government provided land of about 3 hectares
free of charge and arranged for access to financial supports in terms of
agricultural loan scheme for putting up the sties. It falls within an agricultural
zone which is fast developing into a tourist area. The type of soil is rocky and
the climate is rather warm and typical of coastal area.
The farm was run by a cooperative society of 14 members who were formerly
backyard producers operating in the nearby villages of Poste de Flacq, Trou
d’Eau Douce and the surroundings. Prior to relocation 63 pig keepers were
surveyed in the region. For most of them pig keeping was only a sideline
activity. Those who finally opted to be relocated were full time operators for
whom there was no other alternative than to invest in the new site.
At the time of the visit (July 2001), the herd size was 1200 heads. Feeding of
pigs was dependent on heavy use of swills obtained cheaply (Rs 5000/month)
from nearby hotels and limited use of protein-rich recommended feed
available at Government feed sale centres at subsidized rates. In this way,
the farmers were able to produce porc meat at reduced cost although the type
of meat produced was of poorer quality.
The sties which were in concrete were not adequately ventilated. They were
built separate from one another and are managed independently. The general
sanitary condition was very poor. This was attributable to the fact that
sufficient provisions for proper wastes treatment and disposal were never
implemented mainly due to cost implications. Wastes generated were
disposed of haphazardly posing serious threats of pollution to the
environment. Already, there had been evidence of faecal contamination
through Bassin Requin on to the nearby oyster pond managed by Constance
S.E. Furthermore, according to gathered information odour nuisances were
discernible even beyond the village of Poste de Flacq.
There was no proper mechanism to regulate activity on the farm. The flow of
animals was irregular. It fluctuated in response to varying market situation.
Uncontrolled expansion often led to aggravation of these environmental
problems.
Breeders tend to attribute their poor animal performance to poor genetics
resulting from some degree of inbreeding although real causes may lie in
deficient production management and poor level of nutrition.
2.2.2 The St. Martin Pig Farm
The farm exists since 1986 and covers an area of 4.0 Ha of state land within
an agricultural zone. It is the site where originally, 33 pig keepers operating as
back yard farmers in the suburban regions of Plaisance and Stanley were
relocated due to increasing sanitary and environmental pressure. According to
the Ministry of Cooperatives in April 2001, 33 pig keepers were grouped in a
cooperative society and were operating at St. Martin. During a visit in July
2001 information gathered on site indicated that the number of pig keepers
had increased to about 40.
The sties were built separately with many shortcomings. With expansion in
activity additions have been made to existing sties in the same haphazard
manner without taking into consideration animal comfort, sanitary aspects,
aeration and waste disposal.
Kitchen wastes, rice sweepings, poultry offals and other agro-industrial
wastes were used in significant proportions to dilute protein rich commercial
feeds in the daily rations for pigs. Thus, the cost of production was
significantly reduced making the enterprise financially more attractive.
Prevailing conditions on the farm were very unhygienic. Wastewater flowed
without much control and contaminated an adjacent irrigation canal and cane
fields. There was also the potential risk of contaminating a nearby borehole
used for potable water supply. Solid wastes were carelessly stacked on the
premises thus contributing to environmental degradation. A palliative remedial
measure had been initiated at the time of the visit. Rodent proliferation was
also a serious problem at St. Martin.
2.2.3 Roche Bois
In July 2001, the highly residential area of Roche Bois was accomodating
about 60 pig farmers rearing some 3000 heads in their backyards. For some
of them this was a side-line enterprise while for others it was their main
economic activity. The herd size varied in the range of 10 to 150 animals per
farmer.
This type of rearing is characterised by low level of investment. The sties are
built haphazardly and do not always conform to recommended norms
proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture. In some cases they are of
rudimentary types made up of woods and iron sheets. They are built close to
houses and the minimum distance between pigsty and the side boundary as
per regulation is seldom respected.
Only limited amounts of recommended feeds are purchased as feeding is
based mostly on the use of kitchen wastes, rice sweepings, offals and other
market wastes in order to minimize feed costs.
Waste disposal is done in various ways including illegal means:
(i)
In unsewered areas the wastes are discharged through unlined
channels which, in several cases are not covered, connected to
soak away pits of questionable design covered with used iron
sheets;
(ii)
In sewered areas the wastes are discharged illegally into the sewer
mains without respecting established regulations.
(iii)
There are also instances where wastes were manually handled with
impending risks of infection. One case was seen of transfering
waste water manually from a collecting basin to the sewer line
because the sties were at a lower level.
Sanitary condition on most of the sites is very poor. During the visit one of the
farmers cum butcher and his workers were found busy handling meat and
blood next to badly maintained sties, i.e., in an environment which is nonhygienic and where there is high risk of infection. Furthermore, unpleasant
odours, fly proliferation, smokes emitted from burning used tyres and plastics
for cooking feeds are other nuisances constantly affecting nearby dwellers
leading to increasing complaints.
2.2.4 Remedial Projects
A waste treatment plant was being constructed at Bassin Requin. The design
as proposed by Prof. G.Chan comprises four treatment units each with the
capacity to cater for 400 animals. Each unit consists of an anaerobic digester,
a sedimentation tank and three shallow basins. This system will presumably
digest the wastes sufficiently so that a 90% BOD reduction is finally achieved
(i.e., acceptable limit for release into the natural environment). It is expected
that the treatment plant will provide medium term solution to the waste
disposal problem provided it is well maintained and that there is no expansion
in activity beyond the maximum limit of 1600 animals at any one time.
However, it would be appropriate to verify the system once it becomes fully
functional to assess whether the expected performance is actually being met.
The cost of the treatment plant was estimated at Rs 3.9 m and the details are
shown in annex (IV). The project is co-financed by the Ministry of Environment
and the Ministry of Commerce and Cooperatives.
In the absence of Prof. Chan the system at Bassin Requin was put into
operation in February 2002 without anybody knowing the proper procedure.
Too much water and pig waste was coming out of the digester before they
were adequately treated. The digesters were restarted all over again on the
19th April 2002 upon the return of the Professor who also trained the farmers
how to monitor the operations. He believes that the digesters should be
operating properly by the end of May 2002 when an assessment could be
made of their performance. It is to be noted that as at end April 2002 the farm
was having 14 farmers rearing a population of 898 heads.
A similar waste treatment plant was also being designed for St. Martin at an
estimated cost of Rs 8.0m. However, fibreglass digesters would be used to
enable their re-utilisation in the event of its relocation elsewhere. It is
expected that the set up will give adequate treatment provided there is no
further expansion of pig farming activities and that the waste treatment plant is
properly maintained. As at the beginning of this year the farm consisted of 44
farmers rearing a pig population of 2500 heads. There are some 450 pigs that
are also being reared by farmers who are not members of the Plaisance
Cooperative Society.
2.3 Integrated Farming System (IFS)
2.3.1 General
Government policy regarding pig industry has tended to focus on increasing
production without giving due consideration to the adverse impacts that it can
have on environment and the quality of life. On the other hand, with
improvement in standard of living people have become more environmentconscious and are increasingly aware of health risks associated with
increasing pollution load generated by expansion in pig farming and other
livestock activities.
2.3.2 The Value of IFS
Emphasis is being put on the use of Integrated Farming System (IFS) as a
means to treat and dispose of solid and liquid wastes from livestock
production, mainly from pig farming. It is presented as a system which is
ecologically balanced and economically viable. Professor G.Chan has been
pursuing the objective of introducing the system in the Mauritian context. It
claims to treat all pig wastes effectively and recycles all the by-products to
optimize production at the lower costs.
The value of IFS to combat pollution, to intensify farming and also to
regenerate the environment through diversification and recycling has been
demonstrated in Brazil, Fiji and other Asian countries where Professor G.
Chan was personally involved. In essence, the IFS implies intensifying the
use of land and water resources in a sustainable manner through species
diversification and nutrient recycling. In many cases resource productivity
increases, farmers’ income rise, soils are improved and the water kept clean.
The three main pre-requisites for IFS are:
A. sufficient land area – preferably marginal, low lying and water retentive
B. abundant water supply and
C. adequate finance to set up the necessary infrastructure which consists
of large anaerobic digesters and a series of ponds.
2.3.3 Description of an IFS System
The IFS system consists of 3 distinct phases:
A. Phase I
Anaerobic treatment of the waste through a digester and a sedimentation
tank. A 60 % reduction in BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand) is achieved.
Biogas is generated and can be collected for use as a fuel.
B. Phase II
Aerobic treatment with free oxygen produced by photosynthesis from the
natural algae and other macrophytes. A further 30% BOD reduction is
achieved.
C.
Phase III
Complete mineralization of the organic wastes into stable nutrients in the
stabilization pond resulting in the prolific growth of plankton, which in turn
is consumed by fish. The fish is cooked and fed to the pigs. Moreover, the
stabilization pond can harbour crops that can also be used as animal feed.
Additionally, water from the pond can also be used as irrigation water
which is rich in nutrients.
A flow chart on IFS is given in annex (V).
2.4 Union Ducray Farm
2.4.1 The System tried
At Union Ducray a pilot project based partially on the concept of IFS is in
operation since 1997.It is a polyvalent farm rearing several livestock species.
The pig unit specializes in the production of piglets. The sties are built
according to recommended standards. Feeding is based on commercial
feeds. No agro-industrial waste is used. Breeding materials are purchased
from the station of Palmar. Controlled breeding is carried out in order to avoid
inbreeding. The farm is exceptionally clean.
Washed water issuing from the pig breeding units is channeled through two
anaerobic digesters aligned in series followed by treatment in circular
sedimentation tanks resulting into a 60% BOD reduction.
A further 30% BOD reduction is achieved through aerobic treatment when the
effluents from the sedimentation tanks pass through a series of shallow
basins where free oxygen is produced by photosynthesis from natural algae
and other macrophytes.
Finally, complete mineralisation of the organic pig waste into stable nutrient is
achieved in the stabilisation ponds resulting into prolific growth of plankton,
which in turn is consumed by crayfish (Australian Red Claw) supplemented
with self-produced fish for faster growth.
At Union Ducray the abundant water flows at such a high pressure that the
hydraulic retention time is consequently reduced in the system, making the
latter less effective and efficient. So, before the huge volume of used water is
discharged into the sea it goes through 8-9 existing basins for growing some
red tilapia.
It should be noted that the farm produce, i.e., the crayfish/fish is not being
used in pig feed formulation as originally spelt out in the project. Rather, the
promoters are interested in putting the produce on the market for human
consumption. The Ministry of Health has strong reservations on the fitness of
the crayfish for human consumption. Approval of the Sanitary Authority is still
being awaited.
2.4.2 The University of Mauritius Report
The Trust Fund for the Social Integration of Vulnerable Groups had in March
2001 entrusted the University of Mauritius with the task of assessing the
microbiological quality of the produce of the farm at Union Ducray. A report
was submitted in July 2001 which addressed the microbiological quality of
cray fish produced at Union Ducray by measuring in live samples taken, the
levels of
Total Viable Count, Coliform, Faecal Coliform (Presumptive E. Coli),
Sulphite-reducing anaerobe (Clostridia), Salmonella and Vibrio.
The samples were taken during the period 11 – 16 June 2001, from the pond
in which the cray fish are raised, after depurgation for 5 days in running
irrigation water and after a 6th day of storage in tap water, respectively.
The results obtained were interpreted against the following guidelines :-
(a)
The Mauritian Food Act 1998, Eight Schedule, Regulations 62(2)(b)
Food Regulations 1999, which specified that Salmonella and Vibrio
should to absent in 25g sample of Raw fish and Crustaceans. Both
Salmonella and Vibrio were not detected in any of the samples
analysed.
(b)
The standard adopted by the Ministry of Health for faecal coliform per g
of raw cray fish as
i.
E.Coli should not exceed 100/g in any specimen, and
ii.
a maximum of only 2 out of 5 specimens may have an E.Coli
count of between 100/g and 1000/g
The findings of the University’s investigation are that
(a)
with an E.Coli count of 36/g of cray fish, specimens subjected to a 5day depurgation treatment in flowing irrigation water complied with the
Ministry of Health standard.
(b)
samples which were stored for a 6th day in tap water did not comply
with the Ministry of Health standard.
Without wishing to be too critical, the Committee would wish to draw attention
to at least some weaknesses of the report: -
1.
Tests were conducted on only one set of samples collected over a
period of one week.
The reproducibility as well as the statistical
significance of the test results have not been addressed.
2.
From a scientific methodology point of view, the quality of both the
irrigation water and the tap water should have been assessed, if only to
eliminate the possibility that they may themselves have been
contaminated.
3.
Surprise is expressed at the fact that the quality was satisfactory after
the 5-day treatment in irrigation water whereas after the 6 th day
treatment in tap water the cray fish became highly contaminated with
bacterial growth, without providing any elaborate explanation or
recommendation.
The Committee, after the visit to Union Ducray and discussions held there,
was able to assess that the 5-day treatment in irrigation water was under
running water condition, which had a flushing action that resulted in reduced
bacterial count. The treatment in the tap water consisted of storage in a
closed system in which bacterial growth would be expected to increase as a
result of excretion by the live cray fish themselves, as there is absence of
flushing. Depurgation is based on the principle of dilution of wastes/bacteria
produced. A closed system will result in concentration rather than dilution of
wastes, and must therefore be avoided.
2.4.3 Views of the Ministry of Health
The Specialist Pathologist and the Deputy Chief Health Inspector of the
Ministry of Health expressed strong views and reservations on health risks
from human consumption of cray fish as produced at the Union Ducray farm.
Although they do not contest the results obtained by the University, which in
fact are similar to results obtained by the Ministry of Health, they are of the
view that the conclusions are not very clearcut and are subject to various
interpretations.
The Pathologist is of the view that few scientists will want to say categorically
that there is no risk involved in putting the cray fish produced at Union Ducray
on the market for human consumption. While some people may feel that the
risk is negligible, he felt that the risk was substantial and not worth taking.
According to him the effectiveness of microbiological examination to assess
the safety of foods is limited. He argues that for a situation where the initial
product is grossly contaminated (that is, the cray fish from the culture pond),
the test results are only valid for the sample tested on that day. There is no
guarantee that it will be satisfactory next week or next month. He further
argues that even if the Ministry of Health were to carry out regular tests, it
would not guarantee safety because laboratory tests cannot detect all
microbiological hazards.
Standardised and reliable tests for certain
pathogens particularly, parasites, on food simply do not exist, Moreover,
should a new pathogen emerge, it will take several months to detect or
recognise it. Tests are only done for known pathogens.
Quoting current medical literature he gave examples of the emergence of
many new diseases transmitted by infectious agents from one species to
another, such as BSE (prions from sheep to cattle and then to humans, cats
etc), Niphal virus (from bats to pigs to humans) which causes a type of brain
infection in humans.
Food contaminated with sewage is known to cause
many infections in humans and according to him, it would be unwise to
facilitate such processes though production of food for human consumption by
a method such as IFS.
2.4.4 Views of the Committee
The Committee thus finds itself in front of two opposite views, one saying that
cray fish as produced at Union Ducray and after being subjected to a 5-day
depurgation treatment in flowing water satisfies the standards imposed by the
Food Act and the Ministry of Health, the other saying that there are health
risks involved and one has to be very cautious.
The cray fish produced at Union Ducray is based on the Integrated Farming
System except that instead of using the crayfish as protein feed for the
animals, it is being proposed as food for human consumption. This is, in fact,
the real issue. The putting up of the crayfish for human consumption is a risk
that the specialist pathologist from the Ministry of Health is not willing to
endorse, even with the setting up of a control system through regular
microbiological testing. Under these circumstances, the Committee can either
opt for safety and not recommend that the cray fish from Union Ducray be put
up for human consumption, or recommend that further expert opinion be
sought with respect to the pathological risks involved.
Following the latter recommendation in the Interim Report, Government
initiated two measures: the appointment of a French technical adviser Mr. A.
Demoor to assess the system at Union Ducray, and the Mauritius Research
Council to set up a team to conduct further tests and investigations. According
to information gathered by the Committee, the French adviser is of the view
that the present system requires sanitary measures.
2.5 Composting- Preliminary Studies on Pig Wastes
In our search for alternative ways of managing pig wastes, the Committee
investigated the suitability of composting as an option. The concept of
composting and its potential as an alternative means for treatment of animal
waste is dealt with in part II section 2.7 of this report. The Committee found a
recent publication entitled : “Passively Aerated Composting of Straw Rich Pig
Manure : Effect of Compost Bed Porosity.” In the spring 2002 edition of the
COMPOST Science & Utilization magazine. The abstract of the article is
reproduced for reference in Annex (VII ).
As Dr. R. Mohee of the Faculty of Engineering is actively involved in research
on composting, she was requested to extend her investigations to include pig
wastes. A trial is actually at the Young Farmers Centre of Belle Mare whereby
the composting potential of pig waste is being assessed using small rotary
composters. A report on the trial is given in annex (VI) including a diagram of
the rotary digester as well as the cost incurred in its preparation . Preliminary
conclusions show that pig wastes combined with suitable bulking agents such
as bagasse can compost well. The temperature profile and the change in
volatile solids show that there is effective degradation. However, the final
characteristics are yet to be determined.
CHAPTER 3
Socio-Economic Aspects
3.1 Economic Importance of Pig Farming
The Mauritian economy has started really to diversify since 1983-84, this
period coinciding with what is generally referred to as the first phase of the
country’s industrialization. The emerging sectors, namely manufacturing and
tourism are responsible for economic growth from the mid 80’s and through
the 90’s. The economy is now being further diversified with emphasis on the
financial services sector.
Despite the general economic evolution of the country and the opportunities
for other development alternatives pig farming still has its economic
importance for various reasons. These vary from profit –motive to backyard
income generating activities for many families. Rearing pigs is for some pig
breeders the only source of income while for others it supplements an income.
It also maintains and provides employment to certain families who have been
traditionally in this business for several decades. Pig meat is also considered
as high protein food for a significant section of the population.
In year 2000, 12,140 heads of pig were slaughtered at the central abbatory of
Mauritius Meat Authority yielding a total of 890 metric tons of meat. During the
same year the country imported frozen and processed meat worth of Rs 90 m
to meet the 2540 metric tons consumed.
3.2 Socio-Economic Profile
According to the Census Survey, some 415 active full-time are involved in pig
farming activities with a pig population of some 11,900 heads. It is to be noted
that 74% of the farmers are heads of household with a family population of
1,784 members. The distribution of the 415 breeders by total number of pigs
and by district is given below.
As can be seen from the Table (ii) below pig farming is not evenly distributed
over the island. There is a concentration of breeders in the districts of Black
River, Port Louis, Grand Port and Flacq. As regards Port Louis, pig breeders
and pig farming activities are predominant in the region of Roche Bois with 57
breeders caring for a pig population of some 1,250 heads. It is worth noting
that the number of pigs has decreased from about 3000 in July 2001 to 1,250
as reported in the Census Survey of April 2002. Whether this is due to a
current shortage of piglets in the market or to a possible decline in interest is
difficult to ascertain.
Table (ii) :Distribution of Active Full-time Pig Farmers by total
number of pigs kept, and by District
Island District
No. of Active Pig Breeders
No. of pigs
PORT LOUIS DISTRICT
66
1402
PAMPLEMOUSSES
44
1028
R DU REMPART DISTRICT
33
213
FLACQ DISTRICT
51
2045
GRAND PORT DISTRICT
57
1179
SAVANNE DISTRICT
41
1917
PLAINES WILHEMS DISTRICT
14
633
MOKA DISTRICT
13
505
BLACK RIVER DISTRICT
96
2934
ISLAND OF MAURITIUS
415
11856
Another 19 active farmers, who are heads of household but are part-timers,
rear a pig population of 70 heads spread over the 9 districts.
The frequency distribution of herd size among the farmers is shown in table
(iii). It is noted that almost 50% of farmers rear up to 10 pigs each. About two
thirds of the farmers rear pig populations of 20 or less. Farmers rearing above
50 pigs each represent less than 20% of the total and 5% more than 100.
Table (iii): Distribution of pigs among farmers
Herd size
Number of
percentage
farmers
Cumulative
percentage
1 to 5
128
30.8
30.8
6 to 10
73
17.6
48.4
11 to 20
75
18.1
66.5
21 to 30
29
7.0
73.5
31 to 40
22
5.3
78.8
41 to 50
12
2.9
81.7
51 to 75
30
7.2
88.9
76 to 100
23
5.5
94.4
101 to 200
19
4.6
99.0
201 to 300
3
0.7
99.8
301 to 500
1
0.2
100
It is also worth noting that each farmer who is head of household, whether
operating on a full time or part time basis sustains an average of 4.3 persons
in the household.
Only 7% of the active full-time breeders have received any formal training,
although 70% have been operating for more than 10 years. Out of the 415
breeders, only 20 pig farmers hold a permit for pig farming from the Health
Authority and about 43% are members of an Association or a Cooperative
Society. The age structure is not evenly distributed. About 55% are in the
age bracket 30-50 , 18% between 50 and 60, 13% are above 60 and only
11% are below 30. There are very few young persons who are attracted and
involved in this activity. As regards level of education only 9% have SC, 17%
have reached lower secondary level, 41% have passed CPE and 28% have
no CPE. Four breeders possess the HSC whereas eight have completed
tertiary education. It is to be noted that breeders with a higher level of
education are cadres and company executives.
Concerning land ownership, 43% operate on their own land, 14% on rented
land and about 22% operate on leased State land. It is also to be noted that
41% of the farmers own a farm, 23% have a communal farm and 33% operate
in their backyards. The majority (95%) of the farmers keep pigs for fattening
as opposed to breeding. Apart from pigs, 6% of pig farmers also keep cattle
and goat whereas 14% keep chicken as well.
As far as labour force is
concerned, 5% claims to hire full-time labour, 4% hire one person and about
2% hire more than two persons respectively on part-time basis.
Most of the farmers did not disclose all their sources of income for their
household. However, for pig production about 55% of farmers claim to draw
less than 50% and 39% more than 50% of their total income. Thus, more
than half of the full time farmers draw more income from other sources than
pig farming.
As regards disposal of animals, 81% of the farmers claim to sell directly to the
butchers whereas 7% admit to slaughtering pigs on their premises. More than
65% disposed of their pigs after fattening at a price between Rs 2,000 and Rs
4,000. Regarding piglets, 21% sold piglets at a price varying from Rs 500 to
Rs 1,000 and 3% ranging from Rs1,000 to Rs 2,000
As regards investment, 23% of farmers have contracted loans (14% from
DBM, 3% from Cooperative Bank and 4% from commercial banks) varying
from Rs40,000 to Rs50,000 with very few in the range of Rs200,000 to
Rs300,000.
Among other facilities offered by Government to the farmers 63% have
benefited from subsidized feeds. It is to be noted that not all farmers are
entitled to this scheme. Only 10% farmers have recourse to extension
services (training and technical advice) and 25% to veterinary services
although the latter services are provided free of charge. Thirty per cent have
purchased their breeding animals from Government station.
The socio economic profile provides useful information in terms of status of
breeders, location of pig farming activities, level of investment, income derived
and facilities offered to farmers. These will be helpful to policy makers when
dealing with the issue of pig farming activities throughout the island.
3.3 Cost of Production
3.3.1 Cost of Production of one Weaner Piglet
The cost of production of pig farming depends to a large extent on the scale of
production. Annex (VIII) gives a detailed breakdown of the cost of production
of one weaner piglet on a typical farm producing 320 weaners per year from
20 breeding sows and one boar. The various cost components include such
variables costs as feed, labour, electricity, water, veterinary drugs, fixed costs
such as building and equipment, and other charges such as depreciation,
interest and maintenance. Based on assumptions mentioned therein the
average cost of production of one weaner piglet weighing between 15-20 kg
comes to Rs 1320. However, it is believed that the actual average cost is
much below the above estimate. This is because most farmers operate in a
system where the level of management and technical inputs is very low.
3.3.2 Cost of Production of one Fattened Pig
The majority of pig breeders purchase weaned piglets for fattening purposes.
The detailed cost of production is presented in annex (IX). The cost of
fattening one pig to 90 kg in six months is estimated at Rs 3480 if
unsubsidised feed is used and at Rs 3030 if feed is subsidized. The revenue
is subject to fluctuations as it depends on demand and supply. The market
being unstable, at times the prevailing price drops to levels when the farmers
will break even or even lose. It is noted that the feed component accounts for
50 % or 40 % depending on whether the feed used is subsidised or not.
Officially, only small farmers are entitled to benefit from subsidy on feed.
However, in practice most farmers manage to increase their profit margin by
significantly diluting commercial pig feed with kitchen wastes, swills, rice
sweepings etc. though the quality of meat produced is of lower grade.
3.4 Relocation of Pig Farming Activities from Roche Bois.
At Roche Bois there are some 60 farmers rearing about 1250 pigs scattered
all over the region. The unprofessional way in which activities are being
carried out is giving rise to acute pollution problems. These have been
sufficiently highlighted under section 2.2.3 of part I of this report.
It was proposed that for Roche Bois all the pig rearing units would be
relocated to more appropriate sites. It was suggested that farmers should
group into cooperative societies in order to benefit from economies of scale
through sharing common facilities especially with respect to waste treatment
plant, infrastructural supports, utility services, transport and bulk purchase of
feeds.
3.4.1 Comparative Costs/Benefits of Different Scenarios
Various scenarios including Partially Integrated Farming System (PIFS) and
Integrated Farming System(IFS) were analysed so as to look into the
possibilities of relocation of pig farming away from the Roche Bois region. The
costings as well as the designs have been carried out Prof. G. Chan and were
obtained from the Ministry of Economic Development Financial Services and
Coorporate Affairs.
The comparative costs/benefits and designs of the different scenarios are
shown in annexes (X), (XI) and (XII). As can be seen in annex (X) the capital
investment for the first four scenarios averages Rs23 m whereas under PIFS
and IFS they are Rs43 m and Rs74 m respectively. On the other hand, the
cost of production for fattening a pig to 90kg in six months is on average Rs
3,800 for the first four scenarios whereas it averages Rs 4,600 under PIFS
and IFS. It is noted that the cost is higher under the last two systems in view
of the huge initial investment cost. The Committee highlighted the cost
implication and economic feasibility of the relocation of pig farming activities
from Roche Bois. Following the submission of the interim report, Prof. Chan
has worked out the comparative benefits of the different scenarios and these
have been incorporated in annex (X). As indicated in annex (X), the benefits
in terms of biogas energy savings, fish feed formulation, scavenging ducks
accrued to PIFS and IFS far outweigh the costs relative to the four scenarios.
In fact benefits/pig in monetary terms give an average of Rs90 whereas the
figures are Rs850 and Rs3,400 for PIFS and IFS respectively. It can be
further seen that profit per pig is on average Rs700 compared to Rs1,100 and
Rs3,000 for PIFS and IFS respectively. Profits could further be increased
through the production of mushroom, earthworms, shellfish and flowers.
3.4.2 Other Alternatives
Despite the benefits accrued from the various scenarios, the Committee feels
that the data generated above needs to be validated in order to assess the
economic viability and sustainability of the various scenarios. Conscious of
land requirement for the relocation of pig farming and pending the availability
of suitable sites for the implementation of a pilot project the Committee has
now explored further options. Although it is proposed that the Public Health
Act be promulgated immediately it is desirable that its enforcement allows
sufficient time (preferably within one year) for farmers to shift smoothly to
alternative activities.
(i) Reconversion to trades supported by relevant training
While imposing a restriction on the current practice of pig rearing at Roche
Bois concurrent measures for redeployment of those farmers who are
engaged full time in pig farming to other forms of gainful occupations must be
considered. These measures may require the provision of relevant training
(e.g in collaboration with the IVTB) prior to redeployment in trades and
practices such as heavy vehicle driving, handicrafts and growing sectors like
construction, tourism and transport. The farmers may also be proposed to
undertake other entrepreneurial activities in the PMEs after proper training.
(ii) Reconversion to other agricultural activities
Subject to the identification of suitable agricultural land in the vicinity of Roche
Bois, interested farmers may be grouped into an agricultural club under the
supervision of AREU. This will facilitate the provision of training in a range of
agricultural projects such as vegetable and fruit production, mushroom and
ornamentals production, food processing or small goat and chicken farms.
AREU should closely follow up on the projects to ensure prompt support.
(iii)Project based financial support
The farmers may avail themselves of micro-credit facilities from the Trust
Fund for the Social Integration of Vulnerable Groups for the implementation of
income generating activities. Loans up to Rs 200,000 for a group of four
persons are available under this scheme. It offers numerous advantages and
a thorough follow up of the projects is carried out so as to ensure that they
reach targets. Upon successful implementation of the income generating
activities the farmers could eventually expand their business or enterprise. A
scheme under the Development Bank of Mauritius can also be made available
to advance loans to these farmers to finance the expansion of their activities
for reconversion.
CHAPTER 4
Legal Aspects
4.1 Background
Pig industry in Mauritius is one of the most polluting activities because of the
location amidst or in the vicinity of residential areas as well as its operation
without appropriate infrastructural facilities for waste water treatment and
disposal. Though there exist various pieces of legislations to control pig
farming activity, provisions for different aspects of undertaking this activity are
fragmented across those different legislations, resulting in poor enforcement.
A summary of the existing legislations which control pig farming activities is
given in annex (XIII).
The promulgation of the new legislation, as recommended in the National
Policy Paper on pig farming in April 2001, would enable better control of pig
activity both from the point of view of enforcing agencies and the promoter.
4.2 New Draft Pig Breeding Regulation, 2001
The Ministry of Health and Quality of Life has worked in close collaboration
with all relevant Ministries/organisations to update the provisions in the
existing draft legislation (Public Health Act of 1995) taking into consideration
the recommendations as indicated in the National Policy Paper. These include
inter alia:
(i)
location of the pig farm in the agricultural zones and minimum
distances determined from :
limits of permitted development

main public roads

boreholes meant for potable water
(ii)
Scale of activity
(iii)
husbandry practices and general pigsty management
(iv)
Waste water management including treatment facility
As at May 2002 the new draft Pig Breeding Regulations 2001 has
already been vetted by the State Law Office and circulated for
comments.
The new draft Pig Breeding Regulations 2001 is enclosed at Annex
(XIV) for reference.
The findings and comments are briefly given in annex (XV).
4.3 Views of the High Powered Committee
The new draft on Pig Regulations has taken cognisance of new
realities and technologies in relation with the pig farming activity and is
better structured than the previous regulations. It is the Committee’s
views that the followings be also considered:
 Location of pig sties is a most important provision which has
not been adequately addressed with respect to zoning in the
new draft Pig Regulations, 2001
o As regards the scale of activity, the draft legislation has
considered only industrial scale activity (i.e the rearing of
more than 100 animals at any one time in a piggery).
The Committee views that the following be also considered:
o Provisions should be made for small scale breeders (rearing between
one to nineteen pigs). It is proposed that pig wastes be collected for
composting using the rotary system. It should be noted that this
technique of composting is likely to be feasible for small scale breeding
activity as this will be carried out in closed systems. However,
composting on a larger scale would entail open air systems which will
not be environmentally acceptable. Should the breeder opt for 20 or
more pigs, a waste treatment facility as provided for in the Draft Pig
Regulation should be used.
4.4 The HPC’s Recommendations on Legal Aspects
It is recommended that the provisions made in this new draft Pig
Breeding Regulations be adopted both for Mauritius and Rodrigues with
the following additional recommendations:

Scale of activity
Two scale of activities are proposed :
Small scale (1- 19 heads )
Large scale (20 and above)
In view of the possibility of handling the wastes generated by up to 19
pigs in closed system with minimum nuisance using the rotary
composting system, it is recommended that small scale pig farming
should be allowed using the latter system of solid waste treatment

the location of pig sties be outside limits of permitted development
(i) For 19 pigs or less, the pig farm should be located at a minimum
distance of 200m from limits of permitted development.
Given the scarcity of land resources in the country, a compromise is
inevitable between satisfying the needs of pig farmers while ensuring
minimum nuisance to adjacent neighbours as well as judicious use of
land.
(ii) For any future extension of an existing small scale farm (1-19)
beyond 20 pigs, a minimum distance of 400m should be imposed
from the limits of permitted development. Additionally a distance of at
least 200m between 2 farms along the limits of permitted
development should be imposed.
(iii) For more than 20 heads, the pig farm should be located at a
minimum distance of 400m buffer from the limits of permitted
development.
The figure of 400m is based on the current accepted guidelines buffer
distance from waste water treatment plant.
However, both the distances of 200 or 400 m are not a guarantee
against odour or other nuisances as these depend largely on the
hygienic and cleanliness maintained in and around the piggery. It is
therefore imperative that the relevant ministries (including AREU)
ensure strict compliance with the provisions on husbandry practices.
Regular monitoring with a preventive objective should be undertaken
by the Extension Service of the Ministry of Agriculture (AREU) as well
as necessary guidance/advice given to the pig breeders.

For small scale pig breeding (1 to 19 heads) the wastes should be
scraped and composted using the rotary system. Should the
compost be put to sale, it should be properly labelled to cater for
religious beliefs and practices.

The provisions for closing order in section 11 of the new draft
regulation should also include “the persistence of environment
nuisances /unhygienic conditions”

The provisions should include disposal of animals by public sale
in case of non-compliance of the closing order.
Section 12 (b) may read as follows:
“ Where a closing order has been served, the permit
holder may be given a reasonable period to dispose of all
the pig belonging to the piggery failing which a court
order should be sought for disposal of animal by public
sale or alternative means. The proceed of which shall be
retained by Government”.

The provisions Section 8 on husbandry practices to also include:
(i)
Disposal of dead animals and carcasses,
(ii)
Canalisation and treatment of liquid waste in
absorption pits or other appropriate system.
(iii)
Visual impacts/screening of site and environment
enhancement (trees and shrubs planting)

The Ministry of Agriculture, FT & NR. should assist the Sanitary
Authority in ensuring strict compliance of provisions under the
New Draft Pig Regulations

In addition to guidelines on the pigsty infrastructure given in part II
of the First Schedule of the new Draft Regulation, the
recommended housing designs with drawing should also be
given.

The application form for breeding pigs should be included as a
schedule so as to clearly identify all information required for the
licence

The renewal form of the permit should also be included as a
Schedule in the draft regulations.
CHAPTER 5
PROPOSALS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
In the light of the census survey, discussions with all stakeholders of the
sector and site visits, the Committee is making the following proposals and
recommendations:
(1) Relocation of Pig Farming Activities from Roche Bois
Conscious of land requirement for the relocation of pig farming and
pending the availability of suitable sites for the implementation of a pilot
project under IFS, the technical and economic options must be assessed
against the provisions of
proposed new legislation for pig breeding
activities to be embodied within the Public Health Act. Although it is
proposed that the Public Health Act be promulgated immediately it is
desirable that its enforcement allows sufficient time (preferably within one
year) for farmers to shift to alternative activities. These alternatives could
be as follows:
(i)
The first one is to consider the possibility of
redeployment of the 60 farmers into alternative
employment. This proposed occupational mobility
should be channelled to growing sectors such as
construction
and
tourism,
transport
and
entrepreneurial activities in the PMEs. A training
programme wherever necessary and appropriate in
collaboration with training institutions such as the
IVTB has to be worked out in order to prepare these
farmers in their new occupation.
(ii)
Subject to identification of suitable agricultural land
in the vicinity of Roche Bois, interested farmers may
be grouped into an agricultural club under the
supervision of AREU. This will facilitate the provision
of training in a range of agricultural projects such as
vegetable and fruit production, mushroom and
ornamentals production, food processing or small
goat and chicken farms. AREU should closely follow
up on the projects to ensure prompt support.
(iii)
Those farmers may avail themselves of micro-credit
facilities from the Trust Fund for the Social
Integration
of
Vulnerable
institutions
for
the
Groups
implementation
and
of
other
income
generating activities
(2) Financial Assistance
Breeders should be encouraged to take advantage of loan facilities under
the different credit schemes, namely, “ Trust Fund for the Vulnerable
Groups, IFAD Rural Diversification Programme, The Leve deboute Micro
Credit Scheme “ and the “ Anou Diboute Ansam Scheme”. According to
our information the DBM offers loans on the following terms: (a) up to
Rs50,000 at 8% interest rate for 5 to 6 years, and (b) between Rs50,000 to
Rs500,000 at 10% interest rate for 7 to 8 years.
(3) Integrated Farming System
The economic feasibility and sustainability of the Integrated Farming
System has yet to be assessed in the local context. Given the high initial
investment cost, large extent of land and water required, the Committee is
of the view that only the implementation of a pilot project will enable the
proper assessment of its viability whether on a fully integrated or partially
integrated basis.
(4) Bassin Requin and St. Martin Remedial Projects
A constant monitoring of effluents at these pig breeding sites on a regular
basis is required by a joint committee as proposed at (13).
(5) Regular Reports
In view of the highly polluting nature of pig farming any departure from the
good husbandry practices will automatically give rise to environmental
problems. There must be officers especially earmarked to make regular
reports on all pig farming operations to a monitoring committee.
(6) Composting
Composting of wastes from animals such as cattle, chicken and horse has
been successfully demonstrated on small (100 kg) closed rotary digesters.
This technique is now being tried with pig waste and is showing good
potential for stabilization prior to disposal in the environment or for use as
crop fertilizer. In any case, this is a better option than the current disposal
practice, as it is a low cost method of stabilizing the wastes whilst at the
same time eliminating pathogens. This will make the pig wastes safer for
disposal into the environment. However, relevant advice and training on
correct procedures including monitoring must be provided by institutions
like AREU and the University of Mauritius.
(7) Legal Framework
It is recommended that the provisions made in the new draft Pig Breeding
Regulations, 2001 be adopted both for Mauritius and Rodrigues with the
following additional recommendations:

The location of pig sties be outside limits of permitted
development
For 19 or less number of pigs, the distance from limits of
permitted development should be a minimum of 200 m.

For 20 or more heads a minimum distance of 400m buffer from
the limits of permitted development should be observed. For any
future extension of an existing small scale farm (1-19 pigs) a
minimum distance of 400m should be imposed from the limit of
permitted development.
Additionally, a distance of at least
200m between two farms along the limits of permitted
development should be imposed.

For small scale pig breeding the wastes should be scraped and
composted using a closed system. Should the compost be used
as a crop fertilizer it should be properly labelled to cater for
religious beliefs and practices.

Provision should be made for the disposal of animals by public
sales in case of failure to comply with terms of the closing order.

The provisions for closing order should also cater for persistent
of environmental nuisances and unhygienic conditions.

The provision 8 on husbandry practices should also include
(i)
Disposal of carcasses and dead animals;
(ii)
Canalisation and treatment of liquid waste
in absorption pits or other appropriate
system;
(iii)
Visual impacts/ screening of site and
environment enhancement such as land
scaping and trees/shrubs planting.

The application form for the licence to breed pigs should be
included as a schedule so as to clearly identify all information
required for the licence.

The renewal form of the permit should also be included in the
draft regulation as well.
(8) Training of Farmers
The efforts already put in by the Ministry of Agriculture, through AREU,
and the Ministry of Cooperatives for training pig producers in proper
production
technique,
good
husbandry
practice,
and
appropriate
management must be sustained and strengthened further through regular
contact with the production community.
(9) Price Mechanism and Sales Outlets
As marketing is not organised, the revenue in case of small farmers tends
to fluctuate according to the prices of the products. Most of the time the
butchers decide on the prices to be offered to farmers. These are relatively
low. A price mechanism could be worked out to take account of cost of
production and a mark-up profit margin. A minimum price coupled with
sales outlets could be set up where the farmers could offer his product for
sale. This will ensure that the farmers are better remunerated for the sale
of their products. This sort of organisation is usually effective through
cooperative societies.
(10) Strategic Alliance
A strategic alliance with processing plants could be envisaged to ensure a
guaranteed market at reasonable prices for the sale of the farmers’
products.
(11) Value added Products
Farmers should be encouraged to add value to their products through
meat processing. Products like ham and sausages could easily find
market. Such endeavour would require equipment and material as well as
training support. These could be procured through loans and micro credit
schemes.
(12) Salle de Decoupe
To assist small farmers to undertake grading of their products and to
ensure that they get better prices, the setting up of a “salle de decoupe”
and a chilling room should be envisaged. The activities of the chilling room
and the ”salle de decoupe” will have to be monitored by the farmers
themselves through a farmers’ organisation or a cooperative society. The
cost implication of the setting up of these units as well as the impact of the
price of the products on the consumers will have to be examined in more
detail.
(13) Genetic Improvement
In order to protect and further improve the genetic performance of the pig
stock, necessary steps must be taken for the introduction of the artificial
insemination technique in Mauritius.
(14) Effort and responsibility on the part of pig farmers
Proposals and recommendations 2, 6 and 8 to 12 concern the pig farming
community in its entirety. It is strongly recommended that the farmers take
full advantage of all the facilities that are likely to be extended to them,
especially in terms of financial assistance, advice and training, while at the
same time organising themselves better by grouping, for example into
cooperative societies and farming clubs.
(15) Steering Committee
A steering committee under the aegis of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food
Technology and Natural Resources should be set up comprising
representatives from the Ministry of Commerce and Cooperatives, Ministry
of Environment, Ministry of Health and Quality of Life and the Waste Water
Management Authority for the implementation of the recommendations
and proposals of this report.
Part 2
Rodrigues
Chapter 6-
Introduction
6.1 Introduction/Background
Rodrigues covers an area of 140 sq. km. located at about 600 km east of
Mauritius. It is predominantly mountainous and, as such, most development
activities including pig farming are concentrated on mountain slopes.
As
Rodrigues is also included in its terms of reference of the Committee effected
a visit to the island from 4.02.02 to 6.02.02 to assess its pig farming industry.
The Committee members met several stakeholders and effected site visits
(see annex
). A survey conducted on a sample of 45 pig breeders provided
valuable qualitative and quantitative data which have been included in this
report.
Pig farming is a normal economic activity which involves most of the
inhabitants in Rodrigues. In 1995, it was estimated that some 1,400 farmers
were rearing about 4,200 pigs. According to official statistics in year 2000,
1680 heads of pig were slaughtered and exported. Most Rodriguans consume
pig meat since there are neither cultural nor religious restrictions as in
Mauritius. Pig rearing is done mainly on a small scale in a traditional way with
minimum inputs using mostly family labour. The geographical distribution of
pig rearing in Rodrigues is fairly even with slightly higher incidence in some
localities like Mangues and Coromandel.
The impact on the local
environment is almost insignificant given the small scale and the spread
across the country. Most breeders are not interested to undertake this activity
on a larger scale because of various constraints, the principle ones being in
order of importance: lack of water, feed shortage, marketing and scarcity of
piglets though a range of facilities and services are provided by the
Government to support the sector.
Chapter 7-Technical and Management Aspects
7.1 Pig breeding
This activity requires a good technical knowledge in management of breeding
animals. Consequently, only 5% of farmers are specialized in breeding. The
majority does fattening but about half of the farmers also do breeding in
addition to fattening.
7.1.1 Baie Topaze Livestock Production Unit
The Government Station of Baie Topaze specializes in piglets production. The
infrastructural set up of the station satisfies basic requirements regarding
general animal comfort. The sties are built according to satisfactory norms,
are well maintained and are adequately ventilated. The pens in the nursery
section are equipped with creep areas where piglets are reared.
Animals are housed in different units according to their stage of growth and
production. Management parameters like litter size (10 piglets/litter), weaning
weight (15 kg) and mortality rate (5%), are indicative of good management.
With a strength of 33 breeding sows the station of Baie Topaze produces an
average of 800 piglets annually. These are sold to farmers after they are
weaned at Rs 30.00/kg of liveweight (about Rs 450.00 per piglet). The
demand for piglets varies depending on the market price of pig meat.
Animals are fed on concentrate feeds based on feed tables recommended by
the Ministry of Agriculture. The feeding regime depends on the actual
physiological state of each individual sow (i.e., whether lactating or pregnant).
The new- born piglets also have access to creep feed offered in the creep
area where dry grass bedding is provided as there is no heating system.
The breeding stock is renewed regularly through importation from Palmar
Livestock Station in Mauritius to prevent inbreeding. Ear notching is used for
identification as this is important for record keeping in any pig breeding
program.
7.2 Fattening and Marketing of Fattened pigs
As in Mauritius, most of the Rodriguan pig farmers (95%) are involved in
the fattening business as it is simpler and less technical than piglet
production. Thus, piglets purchased from the station of Baie Topaze or
from other sources are put on a fattening regime until they are ready for
slaughter. This is attained in 5 to 8 months depending upon the way the
animals are fed. Animals ready for slaughter are either sold to the ten or
so registered butchers operating across the island or are disposed of
through home slaughtering. During the sample survey 30 % farmers
admitted to slaughtering of pigs on their premises. The actual proportion is
likely to be higher because of accepted practice of home slaughter.
7.3 Advice to farmers
Technical advice and extension services are provided to pig farmers by
the Department of Agriculture and follow similar lines to what obtains in
Mauritius where emphasis is put on, proper animal selection, good
housing, correct feeding and on general health care. However, only 20 %
of the producers make use of these services.
7.4 Review of current practice
Pig farming in Rodrigues is scattered over the whole island and not
concentrated in specific areas as in Mauritius. Fifty five percent of the farmers
are small scale producers rearing between 1 and 3 pigs in their backyard as a
sideline activity in order to supplement an income or to serve as a source of
animal protein for household consumption. Presently, less than 10 % of the
farmers have between 10 to 20 pigs and represent the large scale producer
group. About one third of the farmers raise other animals in addition to pigs,
of which poultry is predominant followed by cattle and goat.
Due to low level of investment in infrastructure (i.e between Rs4,000 to
10,000 for the majority of the farmers) most of the pig sties are of rudimentary
type. The survey figures indicate that nearly half of the farmers have a closed
rearing system where 53% of the walls are in concrete, 40 % of roofs in iron
sheets and 71 % floor in concrete. It must also be noted that more than 22%
of the farmers operate in an open system where animals are often found
attached to a tree grazing whatever vegetation is around.
Although 90% of farmers resort to commercial feed (Rs9.00/kg) the latter is
used in only small amounts in combination with less expensive alternatives
like sweet potatoes, manioc, flour, swills and kitchen wastes. Inadequate
water supply affects more than half of the farmers. Only 2% of them have
access to borehole water while the majority depends on piped water.
As regards sanitation, two thirds of the farmers clean their sties daily. The
majority of them resort to dry scraping and very few use liberal flushing with
water. The solid waste is, thus, segregated and a small volume of effluent is
produced. While the solid waste is kept aside and subsequently used as
manure by almost 60 % of the farmers the effluent is disposed of mainly
through surface drains as very few farmers have absorption pits or septic
tanks.
Concerning health and disease aspects it is gathered that there has not been
any major disease outbreak affecting swine population in Rodrigues during
the past decades. Presently, only 47% of the farmers have all their animals
vaccinated.
The rearing system being very traditional few farmers give importance to
keeping records of production plan, feed, weights, vaccinations, finance or of
visits by officers.
7.5 Environmental Impact of Pig Farming Activities
Given that pig farming activities are widely dispersed and are carried out on a
small scale, waste does not yet pose a threat to the environment as in
Mauritius. Wastes are directed into large holes dug in the ground or are
stacked at a distance from the pigsties and are used as compost by crop
growers. The problem of pollution would be a cause of concern if pig farming
were to be carried out on a larger scale and in the absence of proper waste
disposal facilities.
According to the Sanitary Office it is only rare that people complain about
nuisances arising from pig farming. The survey data indicate that about 13%
of farmers have received complaints from neighbours and the authorities, but
they did not disclose the nature of the complaints.
It is anticipated that an intensification of pig farming activities in the island will
give rise to environmental problems similar to Mauritius if necessary
measures are not taken for proper management of pig wastes.
7.6 The Fond La Bonte Project
At present an IFS project for sheep designed by Prof. G. Chan is being
implemented at Fond La Bonte. Financed by the EDF for the sum of Rs
511,000.00 the project is expected to become operational in three months’
time (i.e by July 2002). The infrastructural set up will include one shed for
15 sheep, two anaerobic digesters, two shallow basins and six maturation
ponds. The intention is to raise fish for aquarium (coy) in the ponds for
generating some revenue. The water requirement which is essential for
the feasibility of this project will be tapped from a source up the nearby hill.
It is also intended to use the nutrient rich water issuing from the ponds for
irrigation of vegetable crops that will be grown on adjacent land.
If this project proves to be technically feasible and economically viable
consideration may be given for the implementation of a pilot project for pig
farming under IFS.
7.7 Composting – An alternative method of waste handling
7.7.1 The Concept
Composting degrades solid wastes containing organic matter. It is basically a
waste stabilization technique which converts wastes into potentially recyclable
materials. The biological decomposition is aerobic and yields a product with
apparently no odour. Composting is done by stacking wastes at 50 to 60 %
moisture in windrows or in closed containers. The stacks have to be turned or
stirred periodically to introduce oxygen in the pile.
The whole process, if carefully monitored, requires 4-6 weeks and its success
is dependent on the C:N ratio in the original material. To correct the C:N ratio
and to increase the dry matter content, the manure is normally mixed with
substances like bagasse, sawdust or other fibrous agricultural wastes.
7.7.2 The Riviere Bananes Project
The University of Mauritius jointly with the UNDP implemented a programme
involving several crop growers in the agricultural valley of Riv. Bananes. The
system of compost preparation in small rotary composters of 60 to 70 kg
capacity was tried. Fifty five such composters were distributed among the
crop growers who were also given necessary training in compost preparation.
The raw materials used were goat and cattle manure mixed with straws,
weeds and other agricultural wastes. The various parameters monitored were:
temperature, humidity and PH.
Based on measured characteristics and composition of the finished compost it
was reported that the product obtained was of good quality. Application of the
compost to crops grown resulted in significant increases in yields.
7.7.3 Composting Pig Waste and its Suitability for Rodrigues
It is given to understand that the success of the Riv. Bananes project has
aroused much attention among agriculturists in Rodrigues regarding the use
of compost. The techniques of composting is ,thus, proposed as a solution to
handle potential problems resulting from wrong pig waste management. This
solution is considered most appropriate for Rodrigues because of several
obvious reasons namely;
(i)
Due to the problem of water shortage many pig farmers are
resorting to dry scraping. The solid waste thus segregated having a
moisture content of 40 to 50 % does not require further drying.
(ii)
Compost is a cheaper source of fertilizer compared to chemical
fertilizers. It also acts as a good soil conditioner. Pig manure is
actually sold to crop growers.
(iii)
There is a high demand for compost in Rodrigues.
(iv)
Rodriguans commonly consume vegetables grown on pig manure.
However, given that pig waste has a high percentage of easily fermentable
components and that it is also high in nitrogen content it is important that tests
are carried out in order to identify appropriate bulking agents and to determine
the optimum ratio. The optimum mix will then be placed in the composter for a
period of three to four weeks. Parameters such as temperature, moisture
content and volatile solids will be closely monitored.
Should the tests actually being carried out on composting of pig waste prove
to be technically and economically feasible it is proposed that the use of rotary
composters may be envisaged for smaller farmers. Diagram of the rotary
composter and the details of cost are presented in annex(). Farmers rearing 3
to 5 pigs will require 2 such composters. Larger size composters may be more
appropriate for large producers.
7.7.4 Preliminary trial on pig waste
A preliminary trial is being conducted by the University of Mauritius in
order to assess composting potential of pig waste. A report on the trial is
given in annex (VI). Preliminary conclusions show that pig wastes with
suitable amendment can compost well. The temperature profile and the
change in volatile solids show that there is effective degradation. However,
the final characteristics are yet to be determined.
Chapter 8 - The Socio- economic aspects
8.1 Economic Outlook
The population in Rodrigues stood at 35,776 with 13,843 in employment in
year 2000. The main sectors of the economy are agriculture, fishing,
animal rearing, handicraft, tourism and Government services. The
productive sectors do not appear to be progressing but the tourism sector
is developing steadily.
8.2 Agriculture
The crops grown in Rodrigues are maize, sweet potatoes, onion,
vegetables, manioc and pulses. It is to be noted that the area harvested
has dropped from 994 ha in 1992 to 512 ha in 2000. Availability of water is
an impediment to development in the agricultural sector. Most of the food
crops are chanelled to the local market, except a few commodities namely
onion, lemon, honey, chillies which are exported to Mauritius.
8.3 Livestock
The table below gives a breakdown of combined statistics for animal
slaughter in Rodrigues and exports to Mauritius except for poultry for
which statistics were not available.
Table (iv) : Combined Livestock Export and slaughter Statistics 19962000
Animal Type
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
Cattle
1944
1291
1552
1594
2092
Sheep
916
1211
1196
1253
1127
Goat
951
1195
1440
1841
1788
Pig
2418
2422
2137
2064
1680
Total
6229
6119
6325
6752
6687
The data for both animal slaughter and exports give an overall indication of
the performance of livestock sector in Rodrigues. It can be seen that the
production of livestock has stabilized at slightly over 6,000 heads. Among the
four animal types, it is observed that the output of pig for both slaughter and
export has declined continuously compared to the other three species. In fact
export of pigs which was 836 heads in 1996 fell drastically to 65 in 1999 and
subsequently to only 8 in 2000. This drastic fall could be attributed to the fact
that butchers/intermediaries in Mauritius preferred to import better quality pig
products at lower prices from other sources namely South Africa and
Zimbabwe. However, because of embargo on imports on account of the foot
and mouth disease, local production has now picked up.
8.4 The socio-economic profile of the farmers
The majority of the breeders (80%) are involved in pig rearing on a part time
basis, out of which 60% are labourer/farmer, 9% housewives, 9% technical
cadres, 11% retired and the remainder are fishermen, tourism workers and
shopkeepers. They have never received any formal training although most of
them have been operating for more than 12 years. They spend at least 2 to 3
hours per day on this activity. 18 % of the farmers operate with a licence for
pig farming from the Sanitary Office. Only 7% belong to a cooperative society.
The level of education amongst the farmers is generally very low with about
70% of them not having passed the CPE . The age structure is not evenly
distributed. 60 % are in the age bracket 35-50, 7% above 65, 11% between
60 and 64 whereas only 6% are youngsters between 20 and 30.
As regards investment, 60% of the breeders have spent between Rs 4,000
and Rs 10,000 in the previous year in building whereas very little investment
has occurred in farming and transport equipment. About 50 % spend annually
between Rs1,000 and Rs 5,000 on feed whereas 30% incur expenditure of
about Rs1,000 on drugs. It is observed that very few farmers have resorted to
loans for pig rearing. Most of the farmers (80%) dispose of their pigs through
butchers, while some of the animals are sold to occasional buyers and other
farmers. About 60% earn up to Rs10,000 annually for the sale of live pigs
(about 3 heads) whereas 20% derive income from the sale of meat.
8.5 Cost of Production and Revenue per Pig
Baie Topaze Livestock Production Unit operated by the department of
Agriculture is involved in the production of piglets for sale to local producers
as mentioned earlier. The weaned piglet at a liveweight of 15-20 kg is sold at
Rs30.00/kg. The piglets are fattened until they reach 90-100 kg when they are
ready for the market. The detailed cost of production is presented in annex ().
The cost of fattening one pig to 90 kg in 6 months is estimated at Rs2,674
without feed subsidy and Rs1,990 with feed subsidy. The revenue based on
Rs34.00/kg liveweight in February 2002 is estimated at Rs2,940 thereby
leaving an average profit of Rs600.00 per pig over a period of six months. In
practice the profit margin is more than the estimated figures as most farmers
dilute commercial feed with large proportions of kitchen wastes, rice and
sweet potatoes. One pig breeder even stated that the profit could go up to
Rs1,500. However, such practice extends the fattening period beyond six
months and the meat produced is of inferior quality. As the market is not well
organized, butchers and intermediaries determine the price to be offered to
farmers. Prices on hoof range from Rs30 to Rs36/kg liveweight. The market
prices of fresh lean pork meat (first choice) and fresh fat pork (second choice)
were Rs 100 and Rs 80/kg respectively in February 2002 in Port Mathurin.
8.6 Scope/ Prospects of Pig Industry in Rodrigues
In Rodrigues nearly all people consume pig meat. Statistics shows that they
consume the highest amount of the latter meat compared to other types of
meat. Another advantage of the pig industry is that Rodriguans do not find any
inconvenience in the use of wastes from pigsties to be used as fertilizer and
irrigation water. As Rodrigues has a land surface area of 104 sq. km and
sustains a population of about 36,000, land could be identified to undertake
pig farming on a larger scale and in a more professional and environment
friendly manner.
Furthermore, with an increase in unemployment from 1,195 in 1999 to 2,650
in April 2001 and the development of the tourist sector in Rodrigues, in
particular foreign tourists whose arrival has increased from 8,300 in 1999 to
10,000 in 2000, pig farming activities offer possibilities of expansion. Several
measures can be explored to enhance the sector in order to improve the
socio-economic conditions of the community of pig farmers. These measures
could include grouping into cooperative societies, sensitization programme,
delimiting specific zones for Agriculture and livestock farming, improved
marketability, infrastructure, training, extension of the concept of composting
to pig waste and introduction of the concept of Integrated Farming System on
a pilot basis.
Chapter 9 - Legislation on Pig Farming in Rodrigues
9.1 Introduction
As at present in Rodrigues, there are very few economic activities. Moreover
these activities are carried out with inadequate planning, thus leading to
unsustainable use of land. The National Environment Study commissioned in
1999, have made recommendations to increase sustainability in Rodrigues by
improving the economic activities and the allocation of land.
With regard to animal production backyard farming still prevails. Rodriguan
farmers could not take benefit of incentives to the livestock sector contained in
Agricultural Diversification Programme because of their small scale of activity.
In an attempt to increase productivity and income Government has
considered Rodrigues in the Agricultural Master Plan to be finalised shortly.
9.2 Legislation
With the present status of pig farming industry in Rodrigues which is not yet
polluting, there has not been any regulatory framework to control the activity.
Gradually, with an increase in population, the residential areas will also
expand as houses would be built closer. In view of the fact that the residents
consume the highest amount of pig meat compared to the other meat and
with the continuation of nearly all families keeping pigs at their place as is the
cultural habit of Rodriguans, Rodrigues would face the same situation as
Mauritius is facing today or even worse if the pig farming activity is not
adequately controlled. As there is potential for pig farming in the island, it is
strongly recommended that all the provisions made in the Draft Pig
Regulations to be promulgated under the Public Health Act should also apply
to the island of Rodrigues so that the pig farming industry flourishes in a
sustainable manner and does not cause any significant environmental
problem. It is, however, proposed that a reasonable moratorium period be
given for the legislation to come into force. This would provide sufficient
adaptation time to the interested farmers to improve their activities and to
encourage relocation from residential to identified agricultural sites. During
this moratorium period farmers should be sensitized to better farming
practices so as to ensure that activities are carried out in an environmentally
responsible manner bearing in mind the vocation of Rodrigues as a
destination for tourists.
In addition it may be proposed that an amendment be brought to section 12
of the draft pig regulation concerning solid wastes disposal. This in view of the
acceptability of pig manure as fertilizer in Rodrigues, the solid wastes from the
pigsties could be scraped where possible and collected in appropriate manner
for composting.
Chapter 10- Proposals and Recommendations
1. Grouping of farms and sensitization programme
An awareness campaign should be raised to encourage those farmers who
are interested to rear pigs to organise themselves preferably into cooperatives
or in a village farm so as to benefit from economies of scale and sharing of
common facilities including infrastructure and transport as well as bulk
purchase and marketing.
2. Release of land for farming
The National Physical Development Plan for Rodrigues has set up the policy
framework for land management in Rodrigues. Information obtained from the
Ministry of Housing and Lands shows that the development strategy for
Rodrigues has been outlined and this would be translated into policies for
sustainable development. These policies would be applicable by the planning
authority when granting permits for the development of land. It is important
that this policy be given a legal status, for example, by way of regulations.
Sixty-three percent of the lands in Rodrigues have slopes greater than 20°. As
there is shortage of flat terrain, most of the development is carried out on
mountain slopes. Development of livestock farming would only be allowed
within identified agricultural zones. As agricultural land is scarce, the planning
authority should ensure that there is no encroachment from other economic
activities. However, the sloping nature of the land and the lack of water will be
major constraints to large scale developments.
3. Composting of pig wastes
Due to water shortage it is a common practice in Rodrigues to scrape the dry
pig wastes from the pig sties and these are collected for composting to be
used as fertilizers in food crop production. The demand for pig manure is high.
It is thus proposed that such practice be encouraged as composting is
environment friendly and relatively cheap to implement compared to the cost
of implementing waste water treatment facilities. However, relevant advice
and training on correct procedures including monitoring must be provided by
institutions like AREU and the University of Mauritius.
4. Marketing
(a) Price mechanism and sales outlets
The marketing system is deficient and need to be addressed. Most of the time
prices offered by the butchers are low. This acts as a disincentive to the
farmers to increase their production. To deal with this problem, a price
mechanism could be worked out to take account of cost of production and a
mark-up profit margin. In other words, a minimum price coupled with a few
sales outlets could be set up at which the farmer could offer his product for
sale. This sort of organization could be effected through cooperative societies.
(b) Strategic alliance
A strategic alliance with firms selling feeds in Mauritius or Rodrigues itself
could also be explored. FACER (Federation des Associations Cooperatives
d’Eleveurs Rodriguais) already has an alliance for the supply of feeds. Such
strategic alliance could also be extended for the marketing of the products at
more stable prices. This can ensure a regular supply of feeds and a
guaranteed market at reasonable prices for the sale of the farmers’ products.
(c) Value added products
Facilities should be provided to encourage production of value-added
products through meat processing. Such facilities would include procurement
of equipment and materials through loans and micro credit schemes as well
as training support. Products like ham, sausages and other products with a
distinct Rodriguan cachet will find ready consumers, in particular the 10,000
or so tourists and Mauritians visiting Rodrigues annually. The products could
be made available at the proposed sale outlets to target potential consumers.
An adequate and remunerative price offered to the farmers will motivate them
to go for processed products.
(d) Salle de découpe
To assist small farmers to undertake grading of their products and to ensure
that they get better prices, the setting up of a “salle de découpe” and a chilling
room should be envisaged. The activities of the chilling room and the “salle de
découpe” will have to be monitored by the farmers themselves through a
farmers’ organisation or a cooperative society. The cost implication of the
setting up of these units as well as the impact of the price of the products on
consumers will have to be examined in more detail.
5. Financial Assistance
Breeders should be encouraged to take advantage of loan facilities offered
under the different credit schemes namely; Trust Fund for the Vulnerable
Groups, IFAD Rural Diversification Programme , the Leve Deboute Micro
Credit Scheme and the “Anou Didoute Ensam sheme”. It is worth noting that
out of a first batch of 274 projects submitted under the micro credit scheme of
the Trust Fund for Vulnerable Groups, 141 are for pig farming activities. With
the expertise and skills developed in pig rearing, the breeders could increase
their credit worthiness and secure better loans in the future.
6. Infrastructure and Training
(a) Slaughter facilities
The current practice for slaughter is not satisfactory from a sanitary point of
view. There is need to upgrade the present slaughter house or to consider its
relocation to a more appropriate site with added facilities such as chilling
house and proper waste disposal systems.
(b) Training
Appropriate training in organisation of production and marketing to
improve quality of products should be provided to stakeholders. A training
programme could be worked out with the participation of 3 or 4 Rodriguans
who have already developed the expertise in production of Rodriguan ham
“filiere” and other value added products. The Rodrigues administration in
collaboration with the Department of Agriculture will be responsible to
coordinate the training programme.
7. Legal Provisions
In the application of the Draft Pig Regulations to be promulgated under the
Public Health Act a moratorium period is being proposed to allow sufficient
time for adaptation and relocation from residential areas.
To cater for the Rodriguan context an amendment must be brought to
section 12 of the Pig Regulations concerning solid waste disposal. It is
proposed that composting of pig waste be encouraged as a satisfactory
and environmentally acceptable means of waste disposal in view of the
acceptability of pig manure for crop production.
8. Monitoring
The Central Administration and the Ministry for Rodrigues should be called
upon to monitor the implementation of the above recommendations and
proposals.
Bibliography
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European commission publication, May 15, 1998.
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