1. Origin and Distribution of Breadfruit
Review of the literature:
Annex IV, pages 1-3
What do we know?
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Origin (from literature)
Tropical Distribution worldwide (from literature)
Where are we now?
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Do not know the number of varieties locally
Do not know about the distribution of varieties locally
Where should we be?
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Number of varieties introduced
Number of trees
More exhaustive review of literature
Other sources of information?
What is missing to get there?
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Eco-geographical survey on breadfruit trees
What questions are we asking ourselves?
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What is the Geographical distribution of breadfruit trees in Mauritius?
Should we do a Tree census in Mauritius?
Can we use a GIS system?
Breadnut - number of trees and distribution?
Is a census of breadnut trees required?
Can there be other sources of information?
Stakeholders involved in issues related to Origin and Distribution of breadfruit
Who?
1. CSO
2. All stakeholders in the
breadfruit sector
3. Documentation centres
(MAIFS/ AREU/ MSIRI/
FARC)
Why?
Involved in census
How?
Include breadfruit on
household survey
On consortium wiki
To map distribution of
breadfruit trees across the island
Involved in documentation
More exhaustive review of
literature
2. Germplasm
Review of the literature:
Annex IV, pages 4-8
What do we know?
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Twenty varieties identified as core varieties (literature)
Can be conserved by tissue culture(literature)
Seem to have two varieties or phenotype locally (round & oblong)(observation)
Breadnut can be used as root-stock for grafting (local validated practice)
Breadnut has an edible seed (high protein)(literature)
Where are we now?
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Propagating only two seedless varieties locally
In vivo production of plants using root only (Literature Revue agricole)
Where should we be?
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Characterisation of our varieties (morphological & molecular)
Any development project for which we need new germplasm
Introduction of new varieties if there is a need
In-vitro propagation
What is missing to get there?
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Breadfruit to shift from an under-utilized crop to a commercial crop
Collaboration with international and local institution dealing with Breadfruit
What questions are we asking ourselves?
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Which varieties exist in Mauritius?
Is there a possibility of extension of production season particularly with increasing
urbanization
Has there been genetic erosion or drift in our local varieties?
Should we increase our genetic pool?
Can we look for germplasm of dwarf varieties to facilitate harvest?
Is there a need to promote conservation of existing germplasm?
Do Reunion, Comores and Seychelles, for example, have the same varieties?
Are we having any pest/disease problems?
Are bats a problem with breadfruit?
Breadnut - is there a demand for it? What do we know about it?
Why breadnut as a root stock?
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Is breadfruit a suitable alternative to breadfruit in Mauritius? Why bother about
breadnut?
How to differentiate between young plants of breadnuts and breadfruit?
Which institutions will be involved in this? Or has capacity? Private labs or
propagators?
Stakeholders involved in issues related to germplasm
Who?
1. UoM
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2. AREU
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3. MAIFS (NPPO &
Entomology)
4. MAIFS (Horticulture
division)
5. FARC
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6. Research organizations
in different countries
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Why?
Studies on general
erosion or drift in local
varieties
Research existent and
facilities available
Varieties existing in
Mauritius
Introduction of new
varieties
On-going research on
breadfruit
Research on usefulness
of breadnut regarding
nutritional properties and
on a rootstock
Facilitate introduction of
new germplasm
Already involved in
conservation
Already involved in
conservation of
germplasm
Already involved in
Research and
development
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How?
Student projects
Survey by extension
services
Evaluation trials
Collaborative programs
(UoM?)

PRA & Disease/ pest
surveillance
In-vitro and In-vivo
collections
In-vitro collections

Collaborative programs

3. Environmental Requirements
Review of the literature:
Annex IV, pages 9-11
What do we know?
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Wide range of adaptation (literature)
Agro-climatic requirements (literature)
Where are we now?
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Distribution is nearly all over the island
Not clear if there are concentration zones of trees
Where should we be?

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Mapping of trees distribution
Identifying agro-climatic zones suitable for optimal production
What is missing to get there?
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Agronomic studies that report on adaptation in Mauritius
Experimental trials
What questions are we asking ourselves?
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Are there specific micro-climates that are ideal for breadfruit?
Tolerance to drought with relation to climate change?
Tolerance to cyclones?
What is the yielding period in different zones and where to obtain the general yield
data?
Check germplasm with different production & harvesting time to extend period of
supply?
Is it possible to extend the production season?
Can breadfruit be grown in super-humid regions of Mauritius?
Is soil pH and high rainfall limiting factors to breadfruit tree growth in Mauritius?
Is breadfruit an invasive species?
Stakeholders involved in issues related to environmental requirements
Who
1. AREU
2. Meteorological

Why
On-going research
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Meteorological data

How
Trials in different
locations
Provision of
Services
available
meteorological data
4. Propagation methods and planting materials
Review of the literature:
Annex IV, pages 12-14
What do we know?

Can be propagated by root cuttings , air layering, stem cutting, grafting, T.C methods,
seeds
Where are we now?
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Studies already started
Selected clones being propagated
Root cuttings main method, higher success rate
In-vitro propagation (under experiment)
Air-layering(under experiment)
Grafting
Where should we be?
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Should have already mastered vegetative propagation methods
Should have already large number of breadfruit plants for sale
Planting material at affordable price (current price at Barkley Rs 185/unit)
What is missing to get there?
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Research facilities and funds
Skilled labour
Need more starting materials
What questions are we asking ourselves?
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Tapping funds (from where)?
Training for propagation required?
Pros and cons of propagation method
Is any method of propagation highly recommended
What are the success rates of the different propagation methods?
Do we have facilities for mass propagation (large scale)?
What are the problems encountered for different propagation methods
Is it easy to propagate by in-vivo methods
What if someone use root cuttings from grafted plants?
Is there any subsidized price for large scale?
What are the current prices?
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Cost effective method of propagation
Where to get readily available planting materials?
Do we have enough planting materials and root stock?
Which rooting system/ propagation method is suitable against cyclone?
Who is and how to coordinate gathering of information on amount of planting
materials available, rate of production?
Which institutions have capacity to do this? Private sector?
Can people /farmers/ students be trained on grafting techniques?
Who can/will train producers on propagating methods?
Stakeholders involved in issues related to propagation methods and planting materials
Who?
1. MAIFS (Barkly ES)
2. AREU
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Why?
Propagation
Sale of planting material
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Research and Development
Information Dissemination
Training
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3. FARC (Tissue
Culture Lab)
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Research and Development on
protocol development
Production and sale of planting
materials
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4. UoM
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Research
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5. Labourdonnais and
other private sectors

Propagation and sale of planting
materials
Production and sale of
agricultural produce
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How?
Propagation and sale by
conventional means
Adapt protocol for Tissue
culture method for sale
Research and
Development on different
methods of propagation
of breadfruit
Sale of breadfruit
planting material
Training of Extension
Officers and growers
Research on in-vitro
propagation of breadfruit
Sale of tissue-culture
plants
Research on Tissue
culture in collaboration
with UoM
Research on Tissue
culture in collaboration
with FARC
Propagation by
conventional means and
sale
Collaborate in on-farm
trials (OFT’s)
5. Agronomy and cultural practices
Review of the literature:
Annex IV, pages 15-20
What do we know?
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Fast growing/long life
Hardy
Productive
Well adapted to local conditions
Old trees can be rejuvenated
Where are we now?
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Evaluation plots set up at AREU
Rejuvenation under observation
Where should we be?
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Germplasm (local) characterization completed (molecular/phenotypic)
Establish local clones conservatory
Map of growing areas should have been available
What is missing to get there?
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Funds
Insufficient planting materials
Absence of guidelines
No training to growers
Using elevators for plucking
Mechanized techniques
What questions are we asking ourselves?
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What are the factors responsible for fruit drops?
What are the production constraints?
Can we go for high density planting materials
Can reports on the evaluations be made available( preliminary)
How does pruning affect yield?
Recommendations on pruning
Are the training materials/leaflets suitable? Is there need to revise/updates
Do we have agro-climatic maps?
What are the known production seasons in Mauritius?
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Are there any appropriate tools for harvesting
Can tall trees be pruned?
What are irrigation requirements?
Should we have specific varieties for fresh and processing?
Bearing time for different planting materials(stem cuttings, root cuttings, grafting)
Can we do intercropping?
Can fruiting be enhanced like litchis?
What is the recommended pathway ‘to move from under-utilized crop to commercial
crop’
Stakeholders involved in issues related to Agronomy, Cultural practices & Fruiting
Who?
1. AREU
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Why?
Research and
Development
Information
dissemination
Training
Provide support to
farmers (insurance,
schemes etc.)
Importer of machinery/
tools
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2. SFWF
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3. Private firms
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4. Growers/ MAMCF/
Ministry of cooperatives
5. MAIFS
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Producers of breadfruit
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Schemes for pest control
Control of pests
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How?
Agronomic evaluation
Production of
recommendation sheets
Workshops/ Field days/
visits
Identify constraints faced
by growers in
collaboration with AREU
Make available
appropriate harvest tools
for breadfruit
Collaborate with AREU
for on-farm trials
Support/ incentives for
control of bats
6. Fruiting
Review of the literature:
Annex IV, pages 21-25
What do we know?
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Seasonal
Large trees can be regenerated
Maturity indices easy
Fruit production capacity
Where are we now?
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Production season known
Fruit drop high
Tall trees difficult to harvest
Production capacity of local accessions(yield) known
Where should we be?
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Less fruit drop
What is missing to get there?
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Local agronomic studies
What questions are we asking ourselves?
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In case of attacks by fruit bats, bird-netting needed?
What are the post harvest losses?
Have the fruits got good preservation qualities?
What are the approved pesticides on breadfruit?
What are the pest and diseases affecting breadfruit?
When do we know that the fruits are ready for harvest?
Can it be grown in super humid zones?
How to produce off season fruits?
Introduction and evaluation of new clones?
Support from NPPO for introduction?
Stakeholders involved in issues related to Agronomy, Cultural practices & Fruiting
Who?
1. AREU
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Why?
Research and
Development
Information
dissemination
Training
Provide support to
farmers (insurance,
schemes etc.)
Importer of machinery/
tools
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2. SFWF
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3. Private firms
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4. Growers/ MAMCF/
Ministry of cooperatives
5. MAIFS
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Producers of breadfruit
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Schemes for pest control
Control of pests
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How?
Agronomic evaluation
Production of
recommendation sheets
Workshops/ Field days/
visits
Identify constraints faced
by growers in
collaboration with AREU
Make available
appropriate harvest tools
for breadfruit
Collaborate with AREU
for on-farm trials
Support/ incentives for
control of bats
7. Harvest and Post Harvest
Review of the literature:
Annex IV, pages 26-32
What do we know?
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Grading/sorting
Waxing
Water Treatment
Traditional minimal processing (e.g water treatment)
Rod Plucking
Climbing using ladder
Picking up falling fruits
Quality index at harvest
Packing (Leno bags, gunny bags, bamboo baskets)
Where are we now?
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No information on existing varieties
Using traditional harvest technique
International post-harvest practices exist
Where should we be?
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Develop quality parameters (Norms/Standards)
Pruning activities
Early and late varieties
Develop dwarf and early maturity plants disease
Packing to reduce post-harvest losses (e.g agricultural crates)
What is missing to get there?
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Schemes/loans for post-harvest/harvest facilities
Effective collaboration between partners
No existing protocols for harvesting/post-harvest
Sharing of information
More research and development funding
International collaboration
What questions are we asking ourselves?
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At which stage to harvest? (Maturity index – optimum and actual)
Is the practice of placing fruit in water documented and justified?
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Do we have appropriate tools for harvest in Mauritius? E.g. Aluminum poles
After harvest (green) No. of days kept (Stored) for local marketing?
What can be done (Backyard/for local market) to increase shelf-life of breadfruit?
What are the recommended packaging/storage materials for Mauritius?
Appropriate methods to increase shelf-life?
Effect of pruning on yield/quality?
Develop protocol – Responsibility?
Can we put breadfruit in under cool conditions to increase shelf-life?
Which type of wax can be used? Available?
Stakeholders involved in issues related to harvest and post-harvest
Who?
1. Cooperatives
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2. Associations and
companies (SMEDA)
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3. AREU
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Why?
To achieve economies of
scale
Better management
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Harvest and post-harvest
protocol
Norms and standards
Shelf-life improvement
Improvement in
harvesting techniques
Pest and disease
management
Improved cultural
practices
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4. UoM/AREU
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5. MSB/ UoM/ AREU
6. Private companies/
AREU
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Harvest and post-harvest
protocols
Norms and standards
Improvement in
harvesting techniques
7. SFWF/ Meteo/ Private
companies
8. AREU/MAIFS
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Risk management
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Pest and disease
management
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How?
Regrouping of farmers
Training
Incentive schemes
Appropriate funding
mechanisms
Research and trials
Literature and research
Literature and research
Training/ information
kits/ grants/ schemes for
equipments
Awareness campaigns/
information materials/
identification of pests
and diseases
Research
Literature and research
Training/ information
kits/ grants/ schemes for
equipments
Support/ assistance/
insurance schemes
Awareness campaigns/
information materials/
identification of pests
and diseases
8. Product development and marketing
Review of the literature:
Annex IV, pages 33-43
What do we know?
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Marketing channel – local/export
Animal feed (Pigs)
Processing awareness exist (chips, canned, flour, boiled)
Human consumption (boiled, chips, curry, snacks)
High potential for export
High risk crop (cyclone prone)
High land requirement
Where are we now?
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Export of product (approx. 100mT)
Development and research on flour production
Long-term storage (freezing) shelf-life studies
Development of frozen French fries, wedges
Where should we be?
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Increase usage as staple food side dishes
Unacceptable fruits, waste from processing as animal feed
Resource material for composting
Substitute for current bad eating habits (e.g. oily foods, saturated foods)
Tap on outer island resources (Rodrigues)
What is missing to get there?
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More research and development and funding
Lack of information on product
Critical mass to invest in commercial production
Loans/incentive schemes
Setting up of food parks
What questions are we asking ourselves?
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How do we think we are going to increase usage as staple?
Regarding increasing consumer awareness, what is being done?
What is the demand for breadfruit on the local market?
Can it be used for baby foods?
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For flour making, are there any specific requirements (varietal, stage of maturity)?
Fresh products or processed?
Market consumption?
Is there scope for development of SME (Processing)?
Is there any kind of risk management strategy in place?
Land availability for setting up orchards?
When is the next fruit tree census?
Stakeholders involved in issues to product development and marketing
Who?
1. FARC/SFWF
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2. AREU/ UoM
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3. Enterprise Mauritius
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Why?
Demand for fresh and
processed breadfruit
Consumer preferences/
New products
New markets
4. AREU/ UoM/ NPPO

Type of varieties
5. Land use division/ AS/
MAIFS
6. APAU/ MAIFS

Land availability

7. Food security fund/
DBM/ Private banks

Census on breadfruit
trees in the Republic of
Mauritius
Access to capital
8. MAIFS/ MAMCF/
Private stakeholders/
SFWF
9. AMB/ Freeport

Continuous/ Reliable
supply of breadfruit
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Storage facilities
How?
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Survey
Breadfruit festival
Survey/ sensory
evaluation
International exhibitions/
partnerships
Literature
Trials
Research
Land bank
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Survey
Complete enumeration
Editable/clickable map
Schemes
Grants
Loan facilities
Partnerships/ Bi-lateral
agreements

Provide storage facilities
9. Markets/Export
Review of the literature:
Annex IV, pages 44-46
What do
we know?
Different
types of
products
Different
markets
Where are we
now?
 Fresh breadfruits
for export
 Breadfruit flour
 Other usages at
level of
household e.g.
chips, cakes

E.U
Where should we be?
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Wider range of
products and
breadfruit varieties
Develop
commercial
production
Regional and
international
markets
What is missing to get
there?
 Identify local
germaplasm/ Access
other germplasm
 R&D on processed
products
 Identify interested
entrepreneurs
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Market
demand

E.U and local
markets
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Market
Access
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Fulfilling SPS

requirements for
E.U
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Australia, USA,
Canada and New
Zealand
Tourist industry
Domestic markets
e.g. frozen chips,
canned, flour
Gluten free
products
Infrastructure for
commercially
processing
Food safety
requirements
SPS requirements
for other
international
markets (Market
barriers)
Logistics for
packaging and
export (Perishable)
Certification
(evidence for
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Data on volume and
value of exports and
country of destination
Identify new export
markets
Identify competitors in
export markets
Determine current
annual production in
Mauritius
Work with hotel chef
Local market
intelligence
Market intelligence for
Gluten free products
Financial Resources for
investment
Identify SPS
requirements for
potential export markets
(e.g. fruit flies)
Develop packaging
Develop certification
system for food safety
and allergens free
Gluten free
products)
What questions are we asking ourselves?
Types of products
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What is current production volume?
What is current export volume?
To which markets are breadfruit exported?
What are other potential markets?
Different Markets
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In these export markets, what are customs duties applied?
In these export markets what are SPS requirements?
Can Mauritius abide by these SPS requirements?
Market intelligence in current and potential export markets: Who are the buyers? Price?
Need specific varieties? Potential for market development? How consumed?
Market demand
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Who are our competitors?
Their Prices?
Cost analysis including freight cost?
Seasonality of supply from Mauritius v/s others?
Development of other products; Processed; Pulp/ canned/ frozen / possible? Cost?
Market access
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Export markets potential for these processed products?
What inputs are needed: Infrastructure, technology, packaging, storage conditions,
transport conditions, cold-chain? (processed)
Forecast of production volume in next 5-10 years?
What are requirements to import/ propagate varieties?
What is shelf life of varieties?
What are current standards for export? Size/ type of packaging?
Determine regularity of supply for export markets?
Are breadfruit destined for export coming from orchards or backyards?
Any orchard project?
Can orchard be certified global gap?
If marketed as Gluten free, who will certify?
What are health and nutritional advantages and How can these be used for marketing?
Sensitization of farmers on gap to produce good quality breadfruit, Who/How?
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What is potential for absorption on local market?
Market intelligence: Who are buyers? Preferred way of consuming? Price? Potential for
processed products and prioritize? Hotels: Potential?
Should new recipes be developed?
Marketing of breadfruit on local market: How? Who? For both processed and fresh?
What time of the year are competitors exporting?
What are the conditions for import of new breadfruit accession?
Any strategy to market breadfruit as potential candidates for food security?
What are the priorities for Mauritius?
Should we have a brand name- branding breadfruit of Mauritius?
What are storage conditions of breadfruit before export?
What are the requirements for export? (size, weight, type and so on)
What is the current practice for sale of breadfruit (whole/ whether semi processed?)
Are there any post harvest treatments for breadfruit before export?
Which sources of information exist on international trade of breadfruit?
Stakeholders involved in issues related to markets and export
Who?
 1. APEXHOM

 2. Exporters


Why?
Involved in export policies
and information
Facilitation
Know export markets


How?
Information on export
standards, market access
 5. Enterprise Mauritius

Know export markets

 6. NPPO

SPS for imports and
exports

 7. Laboratories (Food

Tech Lab)
 8. Women entrepreneurs 
Testing of pesticides

Information on export data and
constraints
Production information
Research and Development on
shelf-life, post-harvest, storage,
packaging, Good Agricultural
Practices (GAPs) etc.
Participation in trade fairs to
present breadfruits
Allow import of germplasm
and information on SPS of
export matkets
Testing of pesticide residues
Capacity to produce/
process
Use in restaurants
Communicate
Inform consumers

Start processing



Use breadfruits – new recipes
Inform public about breadfruit
Inform consumers about
benefits
 3. Producers/ Processors 
 4. AREU

 9. Chefs/ hotels
 10. Media
 11. Consumer
organizations



Need markets to sell
Post-harvest for exports


10.Uses of Plant parts other than the fruit
Review of the literature:
Annex IV, pages 47-49
What do we know?
Where are we
now?
Where should we be?
Different parts of
breadfruit tree,
multipurpose tree
use of the other
plant parts at
household
level
use of the other parts
of breadfruit other
than at household
level, e.g. handicraft
for tourism
industry/export
Can use timber, fruits,
seeds, peel bark, latex,
buds, leaves, flower,
spike, trees
Food
Using only
fruits
What is
missing to get
there?
R&D on the
medicinal
value
Developing
flour
Used for animal Feed
Used for medicinal
purposes
Used for clothing
Agro-forestry shade
Caulking for canoes
Adhesives
Used for construction
of buildings,
handicrafts, surfboards
What questions are we asking ourselves?


What are the possible uses of by-products from breadfruit processing?
Is there any economic importance of plant parts other that fruit for Mauritius?
Stakeholders involved in issues related to uses of plant parts other than the fruit
Who?
Why?
How?
11.Consumer preferences, Education and Products
Review of the literature:
Annex IV, pages 50-53
What do we
know?
Preferred by
Asian niche
markets
Where are we
now?
Most people are
discovering how
to use breadfruit
in their menu
Where should we
be?
People should find it
normal that
breadfruit forms part
of their diet
what is missing to
get there?
Peoples’ awareness
of nutritional value
Preference for
fresh fruits
Develop breadfruit as
a disaster relief food
(food security)
Wide range of
products
(international
markets) e.g.
canned
Awareness on gluten
free products
Support from the
government
What questions are we asking ourselves?














Is breadfruit also consumed by Europeans in replacement of potato?
In what forms consumers would like to eat breadfruit? Fresh or frozen?
Are products demand driven?
How has the perception/status of breadfruit changed over the years?
Nutritional analysis of derived products (w.r.t. snacking at school)?
Need for educating consumers?
Survey on consumer preferences?
What need to be done to increase consumer?
Awareness on importance of breadfruit?
Concept of breadfruit festival?
Which countries are producing breadfruit flour?
Quantity of flour exported and where?
How many breadfruit need to replace 1kg of wheat?
Cost of production of flour?
Stakeholders involved in issues related to Consumer preferences, Education and
Products
Who?
1. Exporter (Sarjua?)

2. Producers and Processors 
Why?
Already have access to
export market
Customer Satisfaction
3. MoA/ Producers

Create awareness
4. Consumer Protection
Association
5. CSO, AREU


Platform for local
consumers
Data on breadfruit
consumption locally
6. Media

Consumer education
How?
 Provide information on
consumers from
international markets and
their requirements
 Development of new
products
 Breadfruit festivals
 Breadfruit consumption
campaigns
 World Food Day
 Consumer acceptance/
consumer awareness
 Surveys
 Data on per capita
consumption of breadfruit
 Radio talks, TV programs