New organic farm being set up at Anse à la Mouche |27 July 2018

A new farm at Anse à la Mouche is soon to be fully operational, and aside from focusing on organic produce, the owner, Nelson Renaud, has a number of innovative ideas and plans for the farm.

Currently half way through the development stage, the farm is occupied with free range goats and organic fruits and vegetables. Crops such as cassava, pumpkin, saffron, ginger, bananas, chilli, papaya and sweet potato have already been planted, and the first harvest is expected in about three to four months, depending on the crops.

Mr Renaud says that his choice of crops was based on his desire to contribute more local, staple foods that are able to store for longer periods of time. The choice to grow organic produce was influenced by his wish to also contribute positively towards our population’s health and food security.  

Following the success of his pilot project, a small aquaponics system at his residence, Mr Renaud says that he will also be setting up a commercial aquaponics system at the farm.

Aquaponics is the combination of aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (soil-less growing of plants) that grows fish and plants together in one integrated system. The fish waste provides an organic food source for the plants, and the plants naturally filter the water for the fish (theaquaponicssource.com). 

A hole has already been dug at the farm to hold the tank, but the system will only be set up once Mr Renaud obtains the necessary finance to put the key infrastructure in place. The focus here will be on production of Chinese cabbage, lettuce, tomato, strawberry and mint.

His plans for the farm do not end here, as the young farmer is intent on venturing into agri-tourism, using his farm to attract visitors. The idea is to introduce a trail that will run through the farm, into the forest, along which visitors will be able to view farm animals, fruit and vegetable plants, herbs and spices, as well as any endemic plants.

Visitors will also be able to purchase a variety of homemade, local, fruit juices and snacks, all made with fresh and organic produce from the farm.

At the end of the trail, visitors will be able to enjoy views of the mountains and the Anse à la Mouche area.

In the future, Mr Renaud has plans to offer yoga classes on the farm, taking advantage of the peaceful, green environment and mountain views.

It has taken Mr Renaud approximately three years to establish his farm, and this he notes, was not without hard work and sacrifices.

He recalls that the land was initially a forested and steep area which required a lot of clearing and terracing, along with a lot of finance to do so.

After having faced difficulties in obtaining loans, he received a grant and was able to pay for an excavator to clear the area.

“I have had to make a lot of sacrifices. I worked hard on a daily basis, sun or rain, Sundays and public holidays, sacrificing time to socialise, and leaving my family home to stay on the farm. It is only now that I have been able to purchase a truck; I previously had to manage everything on a motorbike. It was also very difficult when I was rearing goats in a residential area, carrying grass on my back up to my house after work. However, I remained strong and have stayed above the water, bearing in mind that success does not come overnight.”

Mr Renaud says that along with the support of his family, the other farmers in the region, as well as his own strength, bravery and determination, he has been able and continues to achieve his objectives.

“I like to compare my situation to a seedling which is trying to grow with various challenges, but once it pops through higher grounds, nothing is going stop it.”

He adds that he has suggested to the Seychelles government that if the agricultural industry is to progress further, it is vital that more structures and facilities such as access roads and excavators are put in place for use by farmers.

He notes that this would be especially beneficial for young people who want to join the farming industry but who are hindered by means of finance to put such things in place by themselves.

Mr Renaud sees great potential for the industry to further develop, however he stresses that in order for this to happen, it is also vital for all farmers to work together and to share their knowledge, experience and ideas.

Photo sources: Nelson Renaud