Abstract
The specific aim of the FoodSec-Semence project (2021-2025) in the Indian Ocean is to improve farmers' access to quality seeds and seedlings. In Mauritius, the project focuses on two strategic crops: potatoes and beans. This report presents the results obtained for beans under Activity 1, which aims to acquire in-depth knowledge of the seed sector, the agro-economic context and farmers' seed needs and expectations. Surveys were carried out in 2022 among the main players in the bean sector, in particular producers and consumers. The bibliographical work enabled us to draw up a detailed general framework. This is developed because the project concerns 4 Indian Ocean countries with very different socio-economic conditions. It includes an updated presentation of the seed system, which is undergoing radical change. Surveys have made it possible to update analyses of the sector and produce data on production practices and costs, and on consumer expectations. Beans rank tenth among the country's food crops, with an average of 269 hectares cultivated over the last 5 years (i.e. 3.5% of the total area under this type of crop) by some 450 small-scale growers. Domestic production is mainly consumed fresh as green and “pale” beans. Consumption of dry grain legumes is high in Mauritius at around 10 kg/pers/year, with beans accounting for 9% to 14% of this quantity. Most of the dry grain legumes consumed in Mauritius are imported. Imports of dry bean seeds have stagnated in quantity over the last 20 years (beyond inter-annual fluctuations), but imports of canned and frozen beans have followed a steady upward trend (respectively +19 t/year and +6 t/year; among these products are green beans. Imports of fresh green beans are negligible, and occur only during periods of low production. National production has remained stable over the last twenty years, with a slight drop in acreage offset by an increase in average yield. Public agricultural development policies aim to reinforce food security. Beans are one of the food crops that benefit from public support. Public policies also aim to supply markets at affordable prices for consumers (control of imports and margin rates). The bean seed sub-sector is part of the food security strategy. FAREI has created and adapted new varieties (FBS 1 and 2 and Ferrina). The annual requirement for bean seed is around 20 tonnes, 80% of which is imported by the Agricultural Marketing Board (20 to 30%) and private importers under NPPO control. The 4 tonnes produced locally are mainly by the Ministry's Horticulture Division stations. These seeds are certified according to the SQD (declared quality seed) system. There are very few multiplier farmers. Bean growers are smallholders with an average total available area of 1.05 ha. These farms are more or less specialized in market gardening, with only 8% also raising livestock. The production cost of fresh green beans for consumption is around 25 Rs/kg (0.54 euro/kg), and the average gross margin is 175,000 Rs/ha (around 3,700 euro/ha). Gross margins are highly variable, with yields varying widely (average of 6.5 t/ha CV of 71%), and for over 30% of plots surveyed, harvesting resulted in a loss (negative margin). Prices vary according to marketing channels. Some results are presented on the consumer survey, before an analysis in terms of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. Bean production in Mauritius is unlikely to develop very strongly over the next few years, as demand is unlikely to change much. Unless the processing sector develops with the production of frozen beans.