Country: Rodrigues Island Submission date 13 December 2019

Project No. (For SGP Official Use. Do not write anything here)

Project Title: Value addition to landrace turmeric in Rodrigues

APPLICANT

Name of Organization: Rodrigues Turmeric Producers Association

Year established: 2011

Number of members: 10

Number of projects implemented: 1

Mailing Address:

Physical Address: Mont Plaisir, Rodrigues Telephone: +23058753469

Fax: E-Mail: azelleleanne62@gmail.com

Principal Officer: FELICITE-EVENOR Anne Denise, President the Rodrigues Turmeric Producers Ass.
Project Contact: Vidushi Neergheen, Associate Professor, University of Mauritius
(Name and Position)

PROJECT

GEF SGP Classification: Focal areas and Outcomes

Focal Area (Tick one)1 Outcome (Tick one)
?

(S) Biodiversity Community landscape/seascape conservation
Climate Change Climate smart innovative agro-ecology
International Waters Low carbon energy access co-benefits
Chemicals and Wastes Local to global chemical management coalitions
Land Degradation CSO-Government policy and planning dialogue platforms
Climate Change Adaptation ? Promoting social inclusion
? (P) Capacity development Global reach for citizen practice based knowledge programme
P: Primary; S: Secondary; CSO: Civil Society Organization. NOTE: CC Adaptation: only secondary focal area applies


Proposed Start Date: February 2020 Expected Project Duration:12 months


FINANCES




1 Each project should have one primary Focal Area which should be indicated. In addition, projects may have secondary focal areas which should be specified in the project rationale and approach. Appropriate indicators should be selected in line with the primary and secondary focal areas of the project. Put P for primary and S for secondary in the table above

Total GEF SGP Request: Rs 1 316 850
Total from Other Sources: Rs 395 000

Total project cost: Rs 1711850

[US$ (For SGP Official


UN rate of exchange (For SGP Official Use. Do not write anything here)


3. PROPOSAL

1.0 SECTION A: PROJECT RATIONALE AND APPROACH

1.1 Project Summary

Turmeric or Curcuma longa L. from the Zingiberaceae family is a well-known spice, popular in many traditional medicines due to its many pharmacological activities. The health benefits of turmeric rhizome is mainly due to its phytochemical content which include curcuminoid compounds (2?6%), volatile oil (3?7%), fiber (2?7%), mineral matter (3?7%), protein (6?8%), fat (5?10%), moisture (6?13%), and carbohydrate (60?70%) (Yadav et al, 2013). The major active compounds of turmeric rhizome are curcuminoid including bisdemethoxycurcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and curcumin.
Rodrigues Turmeric Producers Association (RTPA) was founded in July 2013, by a group of eight unemployed women (n=6) and men (n=2). The nature of the business involved in the growing of spices and other aromatic crops, manufacture of spices, sauces and condiments and also in the manufacture of pharmaceutical, medicinal products including homeopathic preparations. The processing unit is located at Mt Plaisir, Rodrigues Island. The main objectives of the Rodrigues Turmeric Producers Association (RTPA) was to alleviate poverty among the planters of landrace turmeric and also the creation of employment for the local inhabitants. Unfortunately RTPA faced out many problems such as lack of commercialization, competition with the

other brand products imported from India, lack of research on the medicinal and pharmaceuticals properties of Curcuma Longa L from Rodrigues Island.


Fortunately, the GEF SGP funded a project for the RTPA in 2012 which led to a production unit which successfully processes the landrace turmeric into powder which is subsequently packaged for sale. Given that product diversification can allow RTPA to pick up on its activities, this proposal is to innovate and encapsulate turmeric powder into capsules for ease of use, storage, commercialization and possibly health benefits. Turmeric rhizome powder-filled capsule is one of the many official herbal products of Thailand (Monton et al, 2016), these capsule has become an important component of the functional food industry, hence encouraging its development and production in the region. In fact the turmeric supplements were the top selling herbal supplement in the United States of America from 2013-2017 and has been experiencing a major growth in some markets (NUTRA-ingredients, 2019).
In view of the health benefits of turmeric and its growing demand, this proposal from the Rodrigues Turmeric Producers Associations will involve diversification of the products they produced from turmeric. The project aims at supporting the Rodrigues Turmeric Producers Association (RTPA) in adding market value to the Rodrigues landrace turmeric through the transformation of turmeric powder into turmeric capsules resulting in an increase in its market value. It is expected that this will be boost the production of landrace turmeric, which can contribute to alleviate poverty and provide direct and indirect employment in this sector.
This proposal takes into consideration the three components of environmentally sustainable development. It will address agricultural growth on the economic front and human empowerment as well as cultural preservation on the social front. At the outset, this project prone the harmony between the development and the environment. The project aims at restoring and increasing the cultivation of the landrace turmeric hence contributing to its conservation and at the same time maintaining numerous ecosystem services. Till date eight acres of land are under turmeric cultivation by the RTPA members and the association have recourse to 30 other local producers for the supply of the turmeric. It is anticipated that the project will not lead to any unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, hence aligning with the global environment benefits.
In summary, this project will aim to formulate and develop turmeric capsules from landrace turmeric rhizome grown in Rodrigues. The process and the dosage form will have to be kept confidential as RTPA could eventually file a patent for trademark or geographical indication.


1.2. Organizational Background and Capacity to implement the Project.

Rodrigues Turmeric Producers Association (RTPA) was set up by six women and two men who were unemployed. The processing unit of the association, funded
under the GEF SGP and the Rodrigues Regional Assembly is located at Mont Plaisir, Rodrigues and is involved in the production and transformation of turmeric products.
The processing unit is based on HACCP norms comprising of a pre-processing room, processing room, and storage room for raw and finished turmeric products. The latter is equipped with a dryer, grinder, electronic chopper and electronic scale. RTPA?s has a well-equipped processing unit for the transformation of Curcuma Longa L rhizomes into powder.
The RTPA?s members followed training courses on the proper use and safe use of the different equipment, business management, project life cycle, agro-ecology and marketing and processing to help to monitor and manage their projects.
Furthermore, the Commission of Agriculture under responsibility of the Rodrigues Regional Assembly have agreed to install a solar dryer at the processing unit of RTPA to reduce its dependency on electricity and also to increase its production rate. Please find attached a letter in the Annex
In this line, a request have been addressed to Commission for Industrial and Others for their co-financial and technical assistance (Annex 1).


1.3. Project Objectives and Expected Results
The project aims at supporting the Rodrigues Turmeric Producers Association (RTPA) in adding market value to turmeric through the transformation of turmeric powder into turmeric capsules resulting in an increase in its market value. This will be a boost in the production of landrace turmeric which will alleviate poverty and provide direct and indirect employment in this sector which is mostly lead by women. The project goes in line with RRA Commission for women?s affairs, industrial develop and others in promoting the implementation of sustainable strategies for SME development, empowerment of women, research and innovation.


Primary Objectives

? To formulate and develop turmeric capsules from turmeric rhizome grown in Rodrigues.
Specific objectives
? To assess the dissolution profiles of the different solid oral forms in different pH to mimic the chemical conditions of the gastrointestinal tract.
? To quantify the phytochemical content of the different dosage forms from their dissolution mediums.
? To determine the antioxidant and inflammatory activities of the different dosages.
? To develop capacity for the production turmeric capsules.
? To brand and market the capsules.


Expected Results
A diversified and stable product in the form of turmeric capsules, which will be tested for health benefits in particular for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which are vital in combatting non-communicable diseases. This project will thus test an innovative idea of producing turmeric capsule for adoption by the RTPA for scaling up. Via its project activities, the project will produce a diversified product from the turmeric powder validated for health claims. With a new product on the market, which complies with relevant good manufacturing practices in force in Mauritius and Rodrigues, it can be expected that the sale of the product will increase the revenue of the company. This is in view with the influential trend and market potential of nutraceuticals locally. The project provides scope for producing quality capsules that meet international standards for regional and international export. Just a few figures to support the market trend for turmeric, in 2015, the overall sales for turmeric/curcumin was $50 million in the United States of America. From an unpublished survey conducted in Mauritius, it has been reported that the Mauritian do take curcumin capsule on a daily basis hence justifying the need for such development. It can be further speculated that an increase in revenue will lead to expansion of the association to a full-fledged company with increasing direct and indirect job opportunities.

1.4. Description of Project Activities
The formulation and development of the capsules will entail the following activities:

i. Visit of RTPA and advising on the equipment and materials needed for RTPA to embark on capsule production,
ii. Procurement of consumables for the process,

iii. Appointment of a project assistant,

iv. Preparation of powder and dosage formulation,
v. Preparation of capsules,

vi. Dissolution test,

vii. Quantitative measurement of phytochemicals,

viii. Validating the efficacy of the capsules in terms of antioxidant and anti- inflammatory effects,
ix. Training and capacity building for capsule production and quality products production as well as a refreshing course on bio agriculture
x. Branding and marketing of the capsules.

?
1.5. Implementation Plan and Time-frame

No Project Activities Duration (months) Responsible Party Action
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
- 12
1 Visit of RTPA and Advising on the equipment & materials to invest on Rodrigues Turmeric Producers Associations & Dr Neergheen First in person meeting in
Rodrigues with RTPA and Dr Neergheen
2 Procurement of
materials for encapsulation Rodrigues Turmeric Producers Associations & Dr Neergheen
3

Appointment of Project Assistant Dr Neergheen & Rodrigues Turmeric Producers Associations
4 Preparation of powder and dosage formulation Rodrigues Turmeric Producers Associations, Project Assistant & Dr Neergheen

Dosage formulation will be conducted at the University of Mauritius (UoM)
5 Preparation of capsules
Project Assistant & Dr Neergheen Experiments will be conducted at the UoM
6 Dissolution test Dr Neergheen & Project assistant Experiments will be conducted at the

UoM
7 Quantitative measurement of phytochemicals Dr Neergheen & Project assistant Experiments will be conducted at the UoM
8 Validating the efficacy of the capsules in terms of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects
Dr Neergheen & Project assistant Experiments will be conducted at the UoM
9 Quality Assurance on batch to batch variation of capsules
+ Training + Visit to RTPA






Dr Neergheen & Project assistant Outsourcing for characterization of capsules content to ensure batch to batch consistency
Support of
Quantilab can be sought for use of Liquid Chromatography ? Mass spectrometry
10 Branding and Marketing Possible branding and marketing by HealtActiv from IBL
11 Intellectual Protection Right




RTPA RTPA to contact Centre de
coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement (CIRAD) or African
Regional


Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO)


1.6 Plan to Ensure Community Participation

All the members of the Rodrigues Turmeric Producer Association have been actively involved in the planning and design stage of the project. Several meetings were conducted.
? Meeting on 20th October 2019 with all RTPA?s members to identify main opportunities, objectives, and challenges of the project.
? The minutes of the meeting was shared with Assoc Prof Dr Neergheen over mails and phone calls for the writing up of a research proposal to be submitted to GEF SGP.
? A meeting was conducted on 5th December 2019 with Invest Rodrigues, Rodrigues Regional Assembly, RTPA?s members and GEF SGP representatives to discuss the role of each stakeholders in the project.
? Meeting with RTPA?s members on the 9th of December 2019, to discuss and finalise the project documents.
? Further meeting will be conducted with the Turmeric planter?s Cooperative Ltd to discuss about the project.

1.7 Knowledge management

Rodrigues Turmeric Producers Association will ensure a fluent creation, sharing, use and management of knowledge and information through the institution:
? Through brochures on the health benefits of the products

? Workshop organised by RTPA and other agencies concerning the projects.

? Training courses organised by Dr Neergheen.

?


1.8 Gender mainstreaming

In order to promote gender equality, both men and women will be actively involved in the major decision-taking, project implementation and management. The association is composed of 80% women and 20% men where responsibilities pertaining to the project will be equally shared among them. Responsibility sharing will bring a sense of ownership of the project to ensure sustainability in the long-term. The women are highly interested in entrepreneurship to empower themselves economically. The women will take part in their empowerment process and the socio-economic development of Rodrigues through the development of this innovative and economically viable project. In Rodrigues, it is a fact that the food-processing sector (e.g. agro-processing cooperatives, individuals, association) is highly dominated by women as reported by the local authority and research papers. Such findings clearly indicated that women play an important role in the socio-economic development of Rodrigues. They will actively participate in income-generating activities that will provide monthly revenue. The standard of living and economic welfare of direct beneficiaries households will be improved. All capacity-building programs will involve men and women to improve their knowledge and practical skills in view to achieve the set goals and objectives. Based on past experience, the members will be trained on record-keeping and business management to help them hold key responsibilities.


1.9 Communication of results and replication

Results will be communicated in the final report to the funding agency. The new developed product will be communicated to the community in Rodrigues and Mauritius via social media and brochures. The process and the dosage form will have to be kept confidential as RTPA could eventually file a patent for trademark or geographical indication.


2.0 SECTION B: PROJECT RISKS, MONITORING AND EVALUATION

2.1 Risks to successful implementation

The only foreseeable risk factor to the success of this project is the cultivation and production of turmeric rhizomes, which can be affected by climatic conditions. Given

that turmeric rhizomes take 9 months prior to grow prior to harvesting, any major climatic event like a cyclone will affect the yield of the landrace turmeric. Risk mitigation measures will include the use of available stock of turmeric powder from the previous harvest.
With regards to the efficacy of the turmeric capsules, it is speculated that since Rodrigues with its variable precipitation, temperature and soil fertility has been suitable for the production of turmeric, the concentration of active constituents which impart health benefits should be interesting.



2.2 Monitoring, Evaluation Plan and Indicators

Project Number: Project Name: Capacity building for adding market value to turmeric powder through its transformation to turmeric capsules
Name of Grant Recipient: Rodrigues Turmeric Producers Association
Brief Description of General Objective of Project: The project aims at supporting the Rodrigues Turmeric Producers Association (RTPA) in adding market value to turmeric through the transformation of turmeric powder into turmeric capsules resulting in an increase in its market value.
GEF Focal Area: Capacity Development Project Start and End Dates: Feb 2020 to Jan 2021
Brief Description of Specific Objective2 #1:

? To assess the dissolution profiles of the different solid oral forms in different pH to mimic the chemical conditions of the gastrointestinal tract.
List the activities necessary to fulfill this objective. Indicate who is responsible for each activity and an indicator of activity accomplishment. Duration of Activity in Months
Activity Responsible Party Indicator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
1.1 Visit of RTPA and Advising on the equipment & materials to invest on Rodrigues Turmeric Producers Associations & Dr Neergheen x
1.2 Procurement of materials for encapsulation Rodrigues Turmeric Producers Associations & Dr Neergheen Purchase requests issued x
1.3 Appointment of Project Assistant Rodrigues Turmeric Producers Associations & Dr Neergheen Project Assistant recruited x x




1.4 Preparation of powder and dosage formulation Rodrigues Turmeric Producers Associations, Project Assistant & Dr Neergheen Dosages encapsulation identified for x x
1.5 Preparation of capsules Project Assistant Neergheen & Dr Capsules produced x x
1.6 Dissolution test Project Assistant Neergheen & Dr Release of content x x x
Brief Description of Specific Objective #2:

? To quantify the phytochemical content of the different dosage forms from their dissolution mediums
Activity Responsible Party Indicator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
2.1 Quantitative measurement of phytochemicals Project Assistant Neergheen & Dr Effectiveness of capsules based on amount of phytochemical release x x
Brief Description of Specific Objective #3:

? To determine the antioxidant and inflammatory activities of the different dosages.
3.1 Validating the efficacy of the capsules in terms of antioxidant and anti- inflammatory effects Project Assistant Neergheen & Dr Selection of best dosage for antioxidant and anti- inflammatory efficacy x x x


Brief Description of Specific Objective #4:


? To develop capacity for the production turmeric capsules.
4.1 Quality Assurance on batch to batch variation of capsules+ Training + Visit to RTPA Rodrigues Turmeric Producers Associations & Dr Neergheen Consistency of capsules and capacity building for capsule production x x x
4.2 Branding and Marketing Rodrigues Turmeric Producers Associations & HealtActiv Strategies to be employed x x
Indicate persons responsible for monitoring and progress reports: Monitoring Frequency / Reporting
Monitoring and Record- Keeping Felicite-Evenor Anne Denise x x x
Progress Reports Neergheen Vidushi x x x


2.3 Sustainability of Results Achieved

Results will produce capsule and confirm the appropriateness of the capsules to be put on the market. Branding and monitoring will ensure that the value addition is captured and well disseminated for increase in income.


3.0 SECTION C: PROJECT BUDGET

3.1 Financial details

A sum of Rs 1,316,850 is being sought under this grant. It has been estimated that RTPA?s members are committed to work 350 man days during the whole project which amount of Rs 175,000 ( RS 500/pay day ) as an in-kind contribution . In addition the RTPA will co-fund most of activities to up an amount of Rs 15,000. The Rodrigues Regional Assembly have been requested to assist the RTPA in this project.


3.2 Projected expenditures

COSTS by broad category Funds from SGP GEF (Rs) Funds from other sources (Rs)
Consultancy fees + University charges 120,000
Rental of UoM laboratory equipment ( Rs200 x 24 hrs + Rs800 x 30) 28,800
Equipment for the Rodrigues association to purchase for capsule production 800,000
Trainee Project assistant for 6 months + Traveling 90,000
2 visits to Rodrigues for consultant/ Project assistant, at the beginning of the project to validate raw materials for use in capsule 70 000

and second for training on capsule filling principles to ensure consistency and efficacy
Air-ticket + Accommodation + Subsistence for the 2 visits of duration 3-4 days each
Consumables for activities (iv) to (vii) (to be conducted at University of Mauritius 165,450
Raw materials for capsule development (RTPA) 25 000
Contingencies 25 000
Upgrade of RTPA building to include processing and cool and dry storage room 310,000 from Rodrigues Regional Assembly (RRA) and RTPA
Electronic weighing balance 75,000
PC/Laptop/Printer 60,000 from RRA
Design and Logo for Packaging

Branding Made in Moris/Rodrigues naturellement
Advertisement 37600
Branding and Marketing In kind
contribution from HealtActiv, IBL?
Training : Refreshing course for planters / 25,000 from RRA

new planters on bio agriculture
Total 1,316,850 395,000



3.3 Bank Details

Account Holder: Rodrigues Turmeric Producers Association Bank: State Bank of Mauritius Ltd
Account number: 62030100165953

IBAN: MU23STCB118003010016593000MUR

Annex 2

Letter from Commission for Agriculture, Environment and others .