Workshop Proceedings (Part 1)

MauritiusBreadfruitSectorConsortiumFirstPartnershipInception

Workshop

WorkshopReport

9th&10thFebruary2012FoodandAgriculturalResearchCouncil(FARC),

Reduit,Mauritius

SupportedbythePAEPARDProject

FirstPartnershipInceptionWorkshopReport February2012

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TableofContents

Introduction ..............................................................................................................................2

Day 1 – Introduction to PAEPARD and establishment of Knowledge Base ......................3

Welcome and Introduction of Participants ............................................................................. 3

Introduction to the PAEPARD Project................................................................................... 3

The Mauritius Breadfruit Sector Consortium ......................................................................... 6

The Value-Chain Approach ................................................................................................... 7

Participants’ Expectations from workshop ............................................................................ 7

Demonstration of the use of the wiki ..................................................................................... 9

Workshop Activities & Introduction to Group Work .......................................................... 10

Team Building Activity ........................................................................................................ 12

Group work sessions (Part 1) – Participatory development of the knowledge-base ............ 12

Day 2 – Value-chain approach, roles of the stakeholders and way forward ....................14

Recap of Day 1 and continuation of group presentations .................................................... 14

Group work (Part 2) – Consolidation of knowledge, technology and skills assets .............. 14

Group Work (Part 3) - Breadfruit Value-Chain Approach and Analysis ............................. 14

Linkages among themes along the value chain .................................................................... 14

Refining the questions we are asking ourselves ................................................................... 15

Validation of the Breadfruit Value-Chain stakeholders ....................................................... 15

Results of the group work sessions .......................................................................................16

Discussion and Way Forward ...............................................................................................37

Closing remarks .....................................................................................................................38

Annex I – List of Participants ................................................................................................ 39

Annex II – Workshop Programme ........................................................................................ 40

Annex III – List of Stakeholder Institutions of the Breadfruit Sector ................................... 41

Annex IV: Review of the literature ....................................................................................... 42

Annex V: Evaluation of the workshop .................................................................................. 43


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Introduction

The Mauritius Breadfruit Sector Consortium organized a two-day Partnership Inception

Workshop on 9th and 10th February 2012 at the Food and Agricultural Research Council,

Reduit. This workshop is supported and is part of the Platform for African-European

Partnership on Agricultural Research for Development (PAEPARD) Project, which is

facilitating this collaboration among various stakeholders in the Breadfruit Sector in

Mauritius as well as European Partners (African-European Partnership).

The stakeholders present at the workshop were from research institutions, the University of

Mauritius, farmer organisations, breadfruit exporters, breadfruit growers, the Ministry of

Agro-Industry and Food Security (plant protection and propagation) and the private sector.

The workshop was facilitated by two external facilitators who have been selected and trained

by PAEPARD.

The overall objectives of the workshop were for stakeholders to:

Get to know each other

Understand the PAEPARD project

Appreciate the importance of partnership within the consortium

Understand and apply the value-chain approach

Participate actively in different group activities

Establish a framework for effective partnership

During the two days of the workshop, the participants were exposed to presentations and

group activities in line with the workshop objectives.

The presentations served to increase awareness and understanding of the PAEPARD project

support, the proposed concept note and the principles behind the implementation of the

Consortium activities. The group activities were formulated to improve mutual understanding

among stakeholders along the breadfruit value chain in Mauritius and promote a collaborative

spirit among the participants.

This report covers the proceedings of the two-day workshop held on 9th and 10th February

2012 as well as the background materials used during the workshop.


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Day 1 – Introduction to PAEPARD and establishment of Knowledge Base

The first day of the workshop was focused on getting to know about the PAEPARD project,

the Breadfruit Sector Consortium and the establishment of a knowledge base on breadfruit.

PowerPoint presentations were delivered by the Facilitators, followed by group activities to

establish the knowledge base in a collaborative and participatory manner.

Welcome and Introduction of Participants

The workshop was opened by Mr. K. Bheenick, Programme Manager at the Food and

Agricultural Research Council (FARC), lead partner of the breadfruit sector consortium and

convener of the workshop. He welcomed the participants and explained the importance of

holding this workshop. He laid stress on the common visioning aspect of the consortium

partners who are from different sectors of the breadfruit value chain. He also acknowledged

the assistance of PAEPARD in the funding of the workshop and added that after this two-day

workshop another one would follow in about a month’s time. He explained that the FARC’s

vision was that the consortium activities lead to the elaboration of a National Breadfruit

Programme, which could later be extended to a regional level where breadfruit planting

programmes are being implemented. Each participant was then requested to present

himself/herself and give a brief over-view of the work being done on breadfruit by their

respective organizations (see list of participants in Annex I). After the introductions, Mr. K.

Bheenick went over the Agenda of Day 1 (Annex II) for the participants to have an idea of

how the day was going to be and wished the participants all the best for the rest for the two-

day workshop.

Introduction to the PAEPARD Project

The first presentation was on introduction to the PAEPARD Project, which was presented by

Mr. T. Gunesh, one of the workshop facilitators. The presentation was focused on the

PAEPARD Project, its context, objectives, expected results, major activities and how the

concept note from Mauritius was selected during the PAEPARD second call for concept

notes. Mr. T. Gunesh laid accent on the requirement of the PAEPARD project for the

involvement of non research stakeholders in Agricultural Research for Development. He

talked on the need for demand-driven partnerships and added that following the Partnership


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Inception Workshops, PAEPARD would be organizing a write-shop for writing of proposals

for the themes identified with a view to get funding from financing institutions. It was also

mentioned that among the 69 concept notes that were received by PAEPARD, 10 consortia

were selected based on different criteria and the Mauritius consortium was among the 10

selected ones. The federating themes of the European and African partnerships, as well as the

list of concept notes selected by PAEPARD were presented (Fig 1).

Figure 1. Introduction to the PAEPARD Project and selection process of concept notes


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Figure 1(contd). Introduction to the PAEPARD Project and stages in the process of selection of concept notes


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The Mauritius Breadfruit Sector Consortium

The second presentation was made by Mrs. I. Boodhram, the concept note applicant. She

gave a brief overview of the concept note submitted by the Mauritian Consortium, entitled

“Micro propagation and cultivation of in vitro breadfruit plants and development of novel

products from breadfruit as an alternative source of carbohydrates in Mauritius”. Breadfruit

has been chosen as it is a crop that provides a lot of opportunities; be it in terms of fresh

produce or transformed product, that is, gluten-free flour among others. It has the potential of

being an income generating plant for small households as well as for small scale orchards.

Mrs Boodhram explained to the participants that the concept note had been submitted

following consultations with a few of the stakeholders and partners and that this workshop,

with its extended consultation with stakeholders, provided an excellent opportunity to review

the proposed activities of the consortium. She also presented the partners currently involved

in the project.

Figure 2. Proposed outcomes and partnership arrangements of the Consortium


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The Value-Chain Approach

The value-chain approach was presented by Ms. Nawsheen Hosenally, one of the workshop

facilitators. She built on Mrs. Boodhram’s presentation to demonstrate that there are many

partners involved in the consortium and there are multiple linkages among them. However, in

order to work in a partnership, it is important to have a proper understanding of the existing

relationships and an agreed mechanism for interactions. She explained about the value-chain

approach and proposed that, through the workshop activities, the importance of linkages

among different actors involved at various points in a value chain would be highlighted. She

also explained the role and responsibilities of the facilitators, which was mainly to act as a

neutral partner, to bring the partners together in their discussions and to promote mutual

understanding among them. Since a facilitator is not a leader, the role of a leader v/s

facilitator was also explained (Fig 3). Stakeholders were reassured that the partners of the

consortium had already been meeting and coordinating some of the activities, especially in

the preparations and organisation of the series of workshops to be supported by the

PAEPARD project.

Participants’ Expectations from workshop

After the participants had an overview on the PAEPARD project, the Mauritius breadfruit

sector consortium, the value-chain approach and the role of leader v/s facilitator, the floor

was opened for clarifications and discussions. Participants were then asked to describe their

expectations from the workshop (Box 1). In general, stakeholders had a wide range of

expectations, each specific to the current issues they were dealing with. This was to be

expected, and hopefully most of their expectations would have been addressed by the end of

the workshop activities.


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Figure 3. Introduction to the Value Chain Approach as it would be applied to the breadfruit sector in Mauritius


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Box 1. Participants’ Expectations from Workshop

Discuss problems being encountered for producing grafts and find solutions

See if partners within the consortium may help in production of the planting materials for farmer organization presently awaiting planting materials to set up a breadfruit village,

See whether it will be possible to introduce planting materials from abroad

Find how the consortium can work together to conserve germplasm in Mauritius and support each other in propagation as well

Get maximum knowledge and information on the whole value-chain

Need a real sharing of information and all partners must collaborate in doing so (value-chain approach and inclusive demand-driven partnerships)

Get new ideas on value-addition, product development and new ventures in the breadfruit sector

Know how we are going to collaborate based on the work that has already started and what we want to do in the future

We have worked as individuals up to now, but time has come to sit together and become a team

Discuss the opportunities that are available and try to make the most of these by working as a team

All collaborators become one (Not just talking, but make it happen)

It is a first-time multi-stakeholder partnership and it is hoped that it will work well such that the workshop acts as a trigger for more interaction

Hope that this workshop does not “die” like those in the past

Get the support of policy makers

Come up with a group project to benefit the country

Make workshop successful, have write-shop and get funding

Hope to get funding through this partnership

Demonstration of the use of the wiki

Since the first meeting of the consortium, a wiki was created to facilitate collaboration within

the multi-stakeholder partnership. The wiki consisted of several pages, each having specific

objectives. A demonstration was made on the use of the wiki and how different partners may

collaborate by sharing their work, participate in discussion forums, upload files and comment

on the different pages. The wiki is accessible at http://paepardmauritius.pbworks.com

Furthermore, there was another page on the wiki which consisted of an editable map of

breadfruit trees in Mauritius using Google Maps. The objectives of this map are (a) to test if

‘crowd-sourcing’ is a viable method of gathering information in a spatial and descriptive


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manner in Mauritius and (b) to provide the members of the breadfruit sector consortium with

a map of distribution and quantity of breadfruit trees to work with, to complement statistics

that may be available. A step-by-step demonstration was also done to show the participants

how they can add breadfruit trees to the map.

Participants then discussed the wiki and ways in which it could be useful, not only to the

partners in the consortium, but to all stakeholders. There was an immediate need expressed

for a tutorial to be made available about the use of the wiki and also on the procedure to edit

the map of breadfruit trees in Mauritius. Participants likened the wiki to a one-stop shop of

information, where at institutional level each member of the consortium or each stakeholder

would have a clear idea of the work being done by each partner. Furthermore, the wiki would

be a place to gather other information related to the consortium. Participants also expressed

their appreciation of the breadfruit mapping is being done, which will benefit many of the

stakeholders in the breadfruit in Mauritius. In addition, importers and exporters who are not

in the consortium will still get valuable information through the map. Finally, it was also

hoped that the map would provide a proper framework of the breadfruit sector and

characterize the agglomerations of breadfruit trees into backyard production or mini-

orchards. Thus, a lot of hope was placed on the development of the map, but its success

would depend on the contribution of the stakeholders and the public at large.

Workshop Activities & Introduction to Group Work

The workshop objectives and activities were explained to the participants through a

PowerPoint Presentation (Figure 4).


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Figure 4. Presentation of the group work activities during Day 1 of the workshop


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Team Building Activity

Prior to the group activity, following the lunch break, the participants were exposed to a team

building activity called “The Human Knot”. The participants were divided into 2 groups and

each group had to form a circle. In each group, the participants were required to hold the

hands of each other (except the person next to oneself). Without releasing their hands, they

had to untangle themselves to form a perfect circle.

This team building activity had 2 objectives; (a) to make the participants realize the essence

of collaboration in a team, and (b) to act as an energizer. The team building activity may be

viewed http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqTuIlNHtmc&feature=youtu.be

Group work sessions (Part 1) – Participatory development of the knowledge-base

The second part of Day 1 of the workshop consisted of a group activity with the objective to

create a knowledge base on breadfruit. To facilitate the process, a review of literature on

Breadfruit, based on 7 key documents identified, had been carried out by Research Assistants

at the Food and Agricultural Research Council (FARC) prior to the workshop. In this

Literature Review, 11 themes were identified along the value chain, and the contents

organised by theme (Table 1)

Table 1. Themes identified for Group Activity

1. Origin and distribution of breadfruit

2. Germplasm

3. Environmental requirements

4. Propagation methods and planting materials

5. Agronomy and cultural practices

6. Fruiting

7. Harvest and post -harvest

8. Product development and marketing

9. Market/Exports

10. Uses of plant parts other than the fruit

11. Consumer preferences, education and products

The participants were divided into 4 groups according to their interests to the themes. Each

group was comprised of 3-4 members and was allocated 1 to 3 themes to work upon

(depending on the number of pages and the content). Each participant was handed a copy of

the Literature Review on Breadfruit, which included the theme which they had to work on.


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After going through the reading material on their respective themes, members of each group

were required to discuss among themselves and address the following questions for each

theme;

(a) What do we know? – Green

(establishing the knowledge assets)

(b) Where are we now? – Yellow

(establishing the current status)

(c) Where should we be? – Blue

(establishing objectives for the theme)

(d) What is missing to get there? – Pink

(establishing what is required to achieve the objective)

(e) What questions are we are asking ourselves? – White

(establishing the information needs)

The answers to the above questions were written on cards of corresponding colours for each

question and these were stuck on the wall according to the theme. Each group was given at

least 1hr30mins to cover the review of the literature, to discuss the issues and to address the

issues adequately.

After the group activity, the group leaders presented their outputs during the plenary session

(Figs. 6-8). During the different presentations, other participants also had the opportunity to

post any new ideas/ questions on the given themes, thus enriching the existing knowledge

already gathered by the group members or identifying areas that required more clarification

or detailed information. Since there was not enough time to complete all the presentations,

the last group would present their work the following day. The work carried out by the

groups would serve for the following group activity sessions the next morning.

Figure 6. Group Presentations at the end of Day 1

Figure 5: Questions to be answered for each theme


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Day 2 – Value-chain approach, roles of the stakeholders and way forward

Recap of Day 1 and continuation of group presentations

Day 2 started off with the welcoming of the participants by the facilitators of the workshop.

Members of the last group, who worked on the last 3 themes, presented their work following

which ideas/ questions from the floor were added to the flip-chart (like the previous day).

The facilitators then did a quick recap of the activities of Day 1 (about PAEPARD, the

consortium, value-chain approach, role of facilitators, workshop objectives, group activity)

before explaining what was expected from the participants on Day 2 (Annex II).

Group work (Part 2) – Consolidation of knowledge, technology and skills assets

The next group activity built on what had been done the previous day. Participants were

required to validate the knowledge, technology and skills assets by reassessing the statements

and qualifying them as based on (a) literature available (b) documented research or

information from other organisations and (c) indigenous knowledge. This process would

ensure that knowledge assets that the groups had identified were already documented or the

sources of information were known. This would facilitate compilation of information and the

generation of knowledge products, at a later stage, to guide the research and development

process.

Group Work (Part 3) - Breadfruit Value-Chain Approach and Analysis

Linkages among themes along the value chain

The second group work was based on the value-chain approach, whereby the participants

were asked to have a look at the themes of different groups and to find linkages and discuss

how components from other themes are inter-connected. If there are links, they had to locate

where these links are, and how do they see them connected.

The objective of the activity was to enable the consortium stakeholders to see the connection

of roles/ components in the different themes that were selected.

After each group had a look at the other themes and found connections, two groups were

chosen at random to present the linkages they found both upstream and downstream along the


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value chain. After the presentations, it was agreed by the stakeholders that they could

collectively identity several linkages among the themes all along the value-chain. The

facilitators explained that further Value Chain Analysis, for which methods have been

developed, would be carried out at the next workshop, when more information about the

themes and their linkages had been gathered.

Refining the questions we are asking ourselves

Following the activity of Day 1 listing the “questions we are asking ourselves” and the

presentations thereon, there were many questions which had been generated by participants.

However, some of the questions were duplicated while others were not well formulated or

unclear. Therefore, the group work consisted of clustering of questions while also re-visiting

the list of questions after the value chain linkages had been established during the previous

session. The objective was to come up with a clear set of questions that would have to be

answered and the information further analyzed at a later stage.

The facilitators explained that the next step would consist of synthesizing a draft of the output

of the group activities, which would be further discussed on the consortium wiki and during

the next Partnership Inception Workshop.

Validation of the Breadfruit Value-Chain stakeholders

The last group activity for the workshop consisted of identifying the stakeholders involved in

addressing each theme along the breadfruit value-chain. Participants were provided with a list

of partners/ stakeholders involved in the Mauritius Breadfruit Consortium (Annex III).

Considering the 11 themes identified in the breadfruit value-chain, they were required to:

Locate who are the different stakeholders involved (Who?)

Why they are involved in that specific theme (Why?)

How are they involved – their roles (How?)

Flip-charts and markers were provided to the participants and they divided the questions in 3

columns (who, why, how) and they located which stakeholder is involved where for each

theme. While the participants were provided with a list of stakeholders, they were allowed to

add stakeholders who they thought might have an important role in the value chain (Fig.7).

One group was chosen at random to present its work to validate that all other groups had also

completed the exercise in a similar manner (Fig. 8)


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Figure 7. Group Discussion on stakeholders present in value-chain

Figure 8. Group presentation on stakeholders and their roles

ResultsofthegroupworksessionsResults of the group work sessions are shown below: the cumulative results of the group

work carried out during the workshop for each of the 11 themes. The literature review,

presented in Annex V, is referred to in each of the thematic sections.


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1. Origin and Distribution of Breadfruit

Review of the literature:

Annex IV, pages 1-3

What do we know?

Origin (from literature)

Tropical Distribution worldwide (from literature)

Where are we now?

Do not know the number of varieties locally

Do not know about the distribution of varieties locally

Where should we be?

Number of varieties introduced

Number of trees

More exhaustive review of literature

Other sources of information?

What is missing to get there?

Eco-geographical survey on breadfruit trees

What questions are we asking ourselves?

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? Why? How? 1. CSO Involved in census Include breadfruit on

household survey 2. All stakeholders in the

breadfruit sector To map distribution of breadfruit trees across the island

On consortium wiki

3. Documentation centres (MAIFS/ AREU/ MSIRI/ FARC)

Involved in documentation More exhaustive review of literature


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2. Germplasm


Annex IV, pages 4-8

What do we know?

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?

Propagating only two seedless varieties locally

In vivo production of plants using root only (Literature Revue agricole)

Where should we be?

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


Breadfruit to shift from an under-utilized crop to a commercial crop

Collaboration with international and local institution dealing with Breadfruit


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? Why? How? 1. UoM Studies on general

erosion or drift in local varieties

Research existent and facilities available

Student projects

2. AREU 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

Survey by extension services

Evaluation trials Collaborative programs

(UoM?)

3. MAIFS (NPPO & Entomology)

Facilitate introduction of new germplasm

PRA & Disease/ pest surveillance

4. MAIFS (Horticulture division)

Already involved in conservation

In-vitro and In-vivo collections

5. FARC Already involved in conservation of germplasm

In-vitro collections

6. Research organizations in different countries

Already involved in Research and development

Collaborative programs


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3. Environmental Requirements


Annex IV, pages 9-11

What do we know?

Wide range of adaptation (literature)

Agro-climatic requirements (literature)

Where are we now?

Distribution is nearly all over the island

Not clear if there are concentration zones of trees

Where should we be?

Mapping of trees distribution

Identifying agro-climatic zones suitable for optimal production


Agronomic studies that report on adaptation in Mauritius

Experimental trials


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 Why How 1. AREU On-going research Trials in different

locations 2. Meteorological

Services Meteorological data

available Provision of

meteorological data


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4. Propagation methods and planting materials



What do we know?

Can be propagated by root cuttings , air layering, stem cutting, grafting, T.C methods, seeds

Where are we now?

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?

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)


Research facilities and funds

Skilled labour

Need more starting materials


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?

Cost effective method of propagation


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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? Why? How? 1. MAIFS (Barkly ES) Propagation

Sale of planting material Propagation and sale by

conventional means Adapt protocol for Tissue

culture method for sale 2. AREU Research and Development

Information Dissemination Training

Research and Development on different methods of propagation of breadfruit

Sale of breadfruit planting material

Training of Extension Officers and growers

3. FARC (Tissue Culture Lab)

Research and Development on protocol development

Production and sale of planting materials

Research on in-vitro propagation of breadfruit

Sale of tissue-culture plants

Research on Tissue culture in collaboration with UoM

4. UoM Research Research on Tissue culture in collaboration with FARC

5. Labourdonnais and other private sectors

Propagation and sale of planting materials

Production and sale of agricultural produce

Propagation by conventional means and sale

Collaborate in on-farm trials (OFT’s)


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5. Agronomy and cultural practices



What do we know?

Fast growing/long life

Hardy

Productive

Well adapted to local conditions

Old trees can be rejuvenated

Where are we now?

Evaluation plots set up at AREU

Rejuvenation under observation

Where should we be?

Germplasm (local) characterization completed (molecular/phenotypic)

Establish local clones conservatory

Map of growing areas should have been available


Funds

Insufficient planting materials

Absence of guidelines

No training to growers

Using elevators for plucking

Mechanized techniques


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?

Are there any appropriate tools for harvesting


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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? Why? How? 1. AREU Research and

Development Information

dissemination Training

Agronomic evaluation Production of

recommendation sheets Workshops/ Field days/

visits 2. SFWF Provide support to

farmers (insurance, schemes etc.)

Identify constraints faced by growers in collaboration with AREU

3. Private firms Importer of machinery/ tools

Make available appropriate harvest tools for breadfruit

4. Growers/ MAMCF/ Ministry of cooperatives

Producers of breadfruit Collaborate with AREU for on-farm trials

5. MAIFS Schemes for pest control Control of pests

Support/ incentives for control of bats


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6. Fruiting



What do we know?

Seasonal

Large trees can be regenerated

Maturity indices easy

Fruit production capacity

Where are we now?

Production season known

Fruit drop high

Tall trees difficult to harvest

Production capacity of local accessions(yield) known

Where should we be?

Less fruit drop


Local agronomic studies


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?


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Stakeholders involved in issues related to Agronomy, Cultural practices & Fruiting

Who? Why? How? 1. AREU Research and

Development Information

dissemination Training

Agronomic evaluation Production of

recommendation sheets Workshops/ Field days/

visits 2. SFWF Provide support to

farmers (insurance, schemes etc.)

Identify constraints faced by growers in collaboration with AREU

3. Private firms Importer of machinery/ tools

Make available appropriate harvest tools for breadfruit

4. Growers/ MAMCF/ Ministry of cooperatives

Producers of breadfruit Collaborate with AREU for on-farm trials

5. MAIFS Schemes for pest control Control of pests

Support/ incentives for control of bats


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7. Harvest and Post Harvest



What do we know?

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?

No information on existing varieties

Using traditional harvest technique

International post-harvest practices exist

Where should we be?

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)


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


At which stage to harvest? (Maturity index – optimum and actual)

Is the practice of placing fruit in water documented and justified?

Do we have appropriate tools for harvest in Mauritius? E.g. Aluminum poles


28

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? Why? How? 1. Cooperatives To achieve economies of

scale Regrouping of farmers

2. Associations and companies (SMEDA)

Better management Training Incentive schemes Appropriate funding

mechanisms 3. AREU Harvest and post-harvest

protocol Norms and standards Shelf-life improvement Improvement in

harvesting techniques Pest and disease

management Improved cultural

practices

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

4. UoM/AREU Harvest and post-harvest protocols

Research

5. MSB/ UoM/ AREU Norms and standards Literature and research 6. Private companies/ AREU

Improvement in harvesting techniques

Training/ information kits/ grants/ schemes for equipments

7. SFWF/ Meteo/ Private companies

Risk management Support/ assistance/ insurance schemes

8. AREU/MAIFS Pest and disease management

Awareness campaigns/ information materials/ identification of pests and diseases


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8. Product development and marketing



What do we know?

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?

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?

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)


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


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?

For flour making, are there any specific requirements (varietal, stage of maturity)?


30

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? Why? How? 1. FARC/SFWF Demand for fresh and

processed breadfruit Survey Breadfruit festival

2. AREU/ UoM Consumer preferences/ New products

Survey/ sensory evaluation

3. Enterprise Mauritius New markets International exhibitions/ partnerships

4. AREU/ UoM/ NPPO Type of varieties Literature Trials Research

5. Land use division/ AS/ MAIFS

Land availability Land bank

6. APAU/ MAIFS Census on breadfruit trees in the Republic of Mauritius

Survey Complete enumeration Editable/clickable map

7. Food security fund/ DBM/ Private banks

Access to capital Schemes Grants Loan facilities

8. MAIFS/ MAMCF/ Private stakeholders/ SFWF

Continuous/ Reliable supply of breadfruit

Partnerships/ Bi-lateral agreements

9. AMB/ Freeport Storage facilities Provide storage facilities


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9. Markets/Export



What do we know?

Where are we now?

Where should we be? What is missing to get there?

Different types of products

Fresh breadfruits for export

Breadfruit flour Other usages at

level of household e.g. chips, cakes

Wider range of products and breadfruit varieties

Develop commercial production

Identify local germaplasm/ Access other germplasm

R&D on processed products

Identify interested entrepreneurs

Different markets

E.U Regional and international markets

Data on volume and value of exports and country of destination

Identify new export markets

Identify competitors in export markets

Market demand

E.U and local markets

Australia, USA, Canada and New Zealand

Tourist industry Domestic markets

e.g. frozen chips, canned, flour

Gluten free products

Determine current annual production in Mauritius

Work with hotel chef Local market

intelligence Market intelligence for

Gluten free products

Market Access

Fulfilling SPS requirements for E.U

Infrastructure for commercially processing

Food safety requirements

SPS requirements for other international markets (Market barriers)

Logistics for packaging and export (Perishable)

Certification (evidence 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


32


Types of products

What is current production volume?

What is current export volume?

To which markets are breadfruit exported?

What are other potential markets?

Different Markets

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

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

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?

What is potential for absorption on local market?


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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? Why? How? 1. APEXHOM Involved in export policies

and information Facilitation

Information on export standards, market access

2. Exporters Know export markets Information on export data and constraints

3. Producers/ Processors Need markets to sell Production information 4. AREU Post-harvest for exports Research and Development on

shelf-life, post-harvest, storage, packaging, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) etc.

5. Enterprise Mauritius Know export markets Participation in trade fairs to present breadfruits

6. NPPO SPS for imports and exports

Allow import of germplasm and information on SPS of export matkets

7. Laboratories (Food Tech Lab)

Testing of pesticides Testing of pesticide residues

8. Women entrepreneurs Capacity to produce/ process

Start processing

9. Chefs/ hotels Use in restaurants Use breadfruits – new recipes 10. Media Communicate Inform public about breadfruit 11. Consumer organizations

Inform consumers Inform consumers about benefits


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10. Uses of Plant parts other than the fruit



What do we know? Where are we now?

Where should we be? What is missing to get

there? 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

R&D on the medicinal value

Can use timber, fruits, seeds, peel bark, latex, buds, leaves, flower, spike, trees

Using only fruits

Food 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 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?


35

11. Consumer preferences, Education and Products



What do we know?

Where are we now?

Where should we be?

what is missing to get there?

Preferred by Asian niche markets

Most people are discovering how to use breadfruit in their menu

People should find it normal that breadfruit forms part of their diet

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


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?


36

Stakeholders involved in issues related to Consumer preferences, Education and Products

Who? Why? How? 1. Exporter (Sarjua?) Already have access to

export market Provide information on

consumers from international markets and their requirements

2. Producers and Processors Customer Satisfaction Development of new products

3. MoA/ Producers Create awareness Breadfruit festivals Breadfruit consumption

campaigns World Food Day

4. Consumer Protection Association

Platform for local consumers

Consumer acceptance/ consumer awareness

5. CSO, AREU Data on breadfruit consumption locally

Surveys Data on per capita

consumption of breadfruit 6. Media Consumer education Radio talks, TV programs


37

DiscussionandWayForwardThe last part of the workshop was a plenary session whereby the consortium partners

reflected on that had been achieved during those two days and discussed proposals for the

way forward. The aspects that guided the discussions included the role of each partner in the

partnership, expectations from each other and from the facilitators; the means of

communication considered appropriate for the consortium members, and planning for future

activities, including the next workshop.

The main conclusions of the discussion sessions are as follows:-

A summary of the workshop will be written up and shared with the participants and stakeholders (through the wiki)

All partners in the consortium and those who are present in the workshop will be required to share the work that they are presently doing (a summary) with respect to breadfruit on the wiki

Various partners are already working in collaboration, but this should be strengthened further by communicating more with each other

Communication will be done through emails and on the wiki, but regular physical meetings will also be arranged at FARC, whereby all important discussions and activities will take place

Frequency of the meetings will depend on the speed at which we are working and how much of the work has been done in a given time-frame

Next workshop is expected to be around mid-March (depending on how fast we are working on the output from workshop 1)

Before next workshop, we are expected to have a meeting on 2nd March 2012, during which a representative from Cole-ACP will be in Mauritius and will join us

Between the 1st and 2nd workshop, we will try to find answers to the questions that were generated during 1st workshop on the wiki and during physical meetings

During the 2nd workshop, a value-chain mapping and analysis will be done For the questions that remain unanswered, they will be used to generate research

questions in the different aspects of the value-chain that had been identified (Also done during second workshop)

In the medium-term, we will try to establish a National Breadfruit Program, under which there will be several project proposals on breadfruit

After the 2nd workshop, a write-shop will be organized by PAEPARD in Nairobi, Kenya

When the project proposals are ready, we will apply for funding at local, regional and international level

Since the idea of using breadfruit as a staple crop is already on the agenda on the government, we will request funding on breadfruit from the government (given that the consortium has already been formed and partners involved are already working on the subject)


38

The Consortium will participate in events like the Breadfruit Day (organized by the Agricultural Research and Extension Unit), Breadfruit festival and Breadfruit village (Organized by Farmer Organization – MAMCF)

Research will continue for years, but the partners are expected to be in touch throughout the process and contribute to the value chain

This whole process may take years, but without collaboration, it will not be possible

ClosingremarksPrior to closing the workshop, participants were asked to fill in the evaluation forms for the

First Partnership Inception Workshop. Mr K Bheenick, Programme Manager at the FARC

thanked the participants for their presence and their active participation. He reminded them

that the workshop had been a very productive and exhaustive one as the participants had to

think and probe a lot to compile as much information as possible. This has contributed to the

consortium members having a clearer idea of the current status of the breadfruit sector in

Mauritius, a joint vision of where we should be, and areas where gaps exist, which may be

filled up through Research and Development. He also thanked the facilitators for their efforts

and their success in maintaining the level of interaction during the workshop. Finally he

requested participants to remain in touch through email and through the wiki, and to

contribute with additional information to answer the questions being asked, as this

information will be used in the planning process for the next workshop and the generation of

the research project proposals.


39

AnnexI–ListofParticipantsName Institution Job Title Tel Fax Email

Mr. Yann Goblet

Labourdonnais Assistant Diversification Manager

266 9533 266 6415 pepiniere.ciaglabo@ intnet.mu

Mr. Yacoob Mungroo

Horticulture Division (MAIFS)

Scientific Officer

464 5517 [email protected]

Mrs. Saraspadee Subramaniam

AREU Research Scientist


Dr. Arvind Ruggoo

University of Mauritius

Associate Professor

403 7695 465 5743 [email protected]

Mrs. Sachita Jawaheer – Unathras

National Plant Protection Office (MAIFS)

Scientific Officer

464 4872 465 9591 moa-pathology@ mail.gov.mu

Mr. Krit Beeharry

MAMCF/ SFWF Chairman [email protected]

Mr. Prithiviraj Dookithram

Small Farmers Welfare Fund

Technical Officer


Mr. Devanand Bhurtun

AREU Extension Officer

261 9216 2619216 [email protected]

Mrs. Babita Dussoruth

AREU Research Scientist


Mr. Dharam Bachraz

Independent (Farmer Organization)

Agronomist [email protected]

Mrs. Indira Boodhram

FARC Laboratory & Nursery Manager


Mr. Krishan Bheenick

FARC Programme Manager


Ms. Varsha Jadoo

FARC Assistant Research Scientist


Ms. Anishka Ramkhalawan

FARC Trainee 465 1011 465 3344 [email protected]

Ms. Pratima Greedharry



Mr. Kaylasson Maistry



Mrs. Raifa Bundhun

APEXHOM Secretary General

433 4906 4334862 [email protected]

Ms. Nawsheen Hosenally

Independent PAEPARD Facilitator

910 1841 nawsheen.hosenally@ gmail.com

Mr. Toolsee Gunesh

Farmers Service Centre

PAEPARD Facilitator



40

AnnexII–WorkshopProgramme

Partnership Inception Workshop Programme

DAY 1 Thursday 09 February 2012

09.00 – 09.30 Welcoming Address; Introduction to participants

09.30 – 10.00 Introduction to PAEPARD

10.00 – 10.30 Concept Note/Presentation of partnerships

10.30 – 11.00 TEA BREAK

11.00 – 12.00 Workshop Activities; Role of leader/facilitators; Introduction to group work

12.00 -13.00 LUNCH

13.00 – 14.00 Group Work

14.00 – 14.30 TEA BREAK

14.30 – 15.30 Group Work / Presentations

15.30 – 16.00 Debriefing Session

DAY 2 Friday 10 February 2012

09.00 – 09.15 Recap of Day 1

09.15 – 10.15 Group Work/Presentations

10.15 – 10.30 TEA BREAK

10.30 – 11.30 The Breadfruit Value Chain Analysis Group Work

11.30 – 12.00 Presentations

12.00 -13.00 LUNCH

13.00 – 14.30 Discussion and way forward

14.30 – 15.30 Debriefing Session


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AnnexIII–ListofStakeholderInstitutionsoftheBreadfruitSector

List of Stakeholder institutions as identified by Consortium partners:

Food and Agricultural Research Council (FARC)

Agricultural Research and Extension Unit (AREU)

University of Mauritius (UoM)

Conserverie Sarjua Ltee

Mauritius Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Federation (MAMCF)

Partner from European Union

Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security (MAIFS)

Association des producteurs et exportateurs horticoles de Maurice (APEXHOM)

Other Exporters

Les Moulins de la Concorde (LMLC)

Producers (Large Scale and Small Scale)

Mouvement Autosuffisance Alimentaire (MAA)

National Plant Protection Office (NPPO)

National Women Entrepreneur Council (NWEC)

Agricultural Policy Analysis Unit (APAU)

Agricultural Marketing Board (AMB)

Ministry of Finance (MOF)


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AnnexIV:Reviewoftheliterature

Breadfruit Sector Consortium

(Mauritius, 2012)

Review of Literature (8 Feb 2012)

Key:

1. Source 1; Breadfruit: Promoting the conservation and use of underutilized and neglected crops (Diane Ragone, 1997)

2. Source 2; Artocarpus atilis (Diane Ragone, April 2006) 3. Source 3; Breadfruit. Morton, J.1987 4. Source 4; Regeneration guidelines for breadfruit (Ragone D. 2008) 5. Source 5; Postharvest handling Technical Bulletin (New Guyana

Marketing Corporation, 2004) 6. Source 6;Farm and Forestry Production and Marketing Profile for

Breadfruit(Diane Ragone, 2011) 7. Source 7; Report of First International Symposium on Breadfruit

Reasearch and Development (Taylor.M & Ragone. D, 2007, Nadi, Fiji)

(This Annex is presented as a separate document)


43

AnnexV:Evaluationoftheworkshop


44


45

What I liked the most about the workshop

The purpose of the workshop was well explained.

The willingness of all stakeholders to provide maximum information to

consortium. The spirit within workshop.

Les interactions entre les différents intervenants qui ont été très intéressantes.

Chacun a apporté et partagé les connaissances de la culture du fruit à pain.

The participants were all contributing for the success of the workshop, willing to

share all information about their activities; mutual trust; co-operation / team

spirit

Discussion / Interaction; New knowledge on breadfruit ; Positive approach of each

participant

New methods of brainstorming and analysis

It was very interactive.

Very interactive, lots of new ideas and new information

Work groups, Interactive sessions

The groupwork session and the issues to work upon

Interactive workshop; Group work was interesting

Information exchange.

New ideas about use of breadfruits

(3 blank returns)

What I did not like the most about the workshop

Un aspect que l’on ne connait toujours pas, c’est ‘quantifier la demande’

The venue

There was some discussion that was not relevant to the theme

Some information was not relevant

The food

The meal was not balanced, not tasty

(10 blank returns)


46

What is the most important lesson I take with me at the end of the workshop

Existence of the project and its coherence on Breadfruit

Spirit of collaboration

Work as a team

Working in groups, with different opinions can help to find better solutions

Working in such a group with people from different sectors / organization where

we feel there is a sharing of information increase in knowledge.

Many institutions are working at their level on breadfruit. Collaborative work,

sharing of information essential

We should not be working on our own: this leads to duplication of work. We

should work in collaboration for a fruitful objective.

Different organisations have different types of information that can be used

(information which were not known before)

The importance of value chain approach

Importance of sharing ideas with other institutions

To understand what is the position of our institution in the value chain

La viabilité de la filière dépendera grandement de la volonté du consomateur ;

chaque maillon (stakeholder) de la filière est interdépendent. Un travail collectif

est un “must”.

(4 blank returns)

Technology

Workshop Proceedings (Part 1)