The project consists of 2 interlinked components: -

The first one involves the small scale composting of different types of wastes using the techniques of rotary composters and the second part comprises the installation of solar irrigation systems to pump underground water which is not very far from the surface to be used for irrigation.
1.0 ORGANIC COMPOST MAKING

1.1 EXECUTIVE AND MONITORING Activities related to the project was carried by a Local Project Management Team constituted as follows:-

- Allas Karl - RCSS President
- Casimir Sydney - Project Manager, technical Officer (Agricultural Services)
- Leopold J. Sydney - President of Planters Association


And a technical advisor in the name of Sydney Casimir - Agricultural extension Officer


1.2 implementation of the project

1.2.1 Training workshop in Mauritius and Meetings

The Project Manager has attends one-day seminar at the Coco-Beach hotel in Mauritius in Compost Making and its application on the 23rd July 1999. During the following month several working session was done with Planters Group on how the project will be implemented and how they will participate in the projects.


1.2.2 SURVEY

During the month of August 1999, each land holder in the valley have been surveyed individually; data's have been collected about practices and other items such as:

- potential use of fertilizers
- sources and quantity of manure available
- number of animals possessed and shed size
- ways by which agricultural residues
- crops cultivated in July 1999 to December
- areas to be cultivated
- rate of manure/fertilizers application
- expected field and residues


Collected data's were sent to Mauritius (Dr. Mohee) for analysis and compilation (see results annexed 1.2.5)



1.2.4. FORMATION AND TRAINING OF SELECTED PLANTERS

The planters association has selected 4 of its members for a training session of 2 days from 1 - 3 September 1999 at the University of Mauritius on Compost Making and Monitoring. These planters are: -

- Ravina Jacques
- Leopold J. Karl
- Edouard Christian
- And the Project Manager

The training sessions was then followed by several local training sessions of planters in the valley from October 1999 - December 1999.






Table 2.1: Distribution of water sources
Water Sources No. of users
No. % of total planter
Pipe only 38 57%
Well only 1 1%
Pipe and well 20 30%
No water 8 12%



2.3 WATER STORAGE

Concrete reservoirs are the main water storage device and it should be noted that the planters often possess more that one such reservoir. To increase the water storage capacity of their concrete reservoirs, some planters use other types of storage devices. Such as drums (210 litre) and then fibre glass tanks. It should also be noted that 15% of the planters of Rivière Banane do not possess any water storage facility (see Table 2.2)


Table 2.2 distribution of storage facilities
Water storage facilities No. of users
No. % of total planters
Concrete reservoir only 44 66%
Drums only 6 9%
Concrete reservoir + drums 6 9%
Concrete reservoir + fibreglass tank 1 1%
No storage system 10 15%

The predominant storage facility, concrete reservoir, has the highest average capacity of 3.7 m³ per planter. The average water storage capacity per planter is 2.9 m³. The maximum water storage per planter coincides with the maximum capacity of concrete tank and is 11.9 m³ (see Table 2.3)


Table 2.3 Capacity of different storage systems (m³)
Water storage storage No. of users Minimum storage capacity (m³) Average storageCapacity (m³) Maximum storageCapacity (m³)
Concrete reservoir 51 76% 0.3 3.7 11.7
Fibreglass 1 1% 2.2 2.2 2.2
Drums 12 18% 0.2 0.2 0.4
No storage system 10 15% - - -
Total 67 100% 0.0 2.9 11.9

2.4 IRRIGATION MODES

Watering cans (10 litre) are widely used for irrigation. This method is also used in conjunction with the sprinkler systems and the water hose. The use of watering can and sprinkler system seems to be most favoured by the planters. The significant proportion of planters affected by the absence water availability and water storage system leads to a significant level of absence of irrigation system (see Table 2.4)





Table 2.4 distribution of the irrigation modes
Irrigation modes No. of users
No. % of total planters
Watering can + sprinkler 36 54%
Watering can only 19 28%
No irrigation system 9 13%
Watering can + sprinkler + hose 3 4%


Despite being the least favoured by the planters, the water hose method produces the highest output per day (5.4 m³/day). The average irrigation capacity of the planters is 1.3m³/day. The output of the watering can haulage is very small compared to bother the sprinkler and the water hose methods. The irrigation capacity is very small for planters who rely on hauling watering cans for irrigation (see Table 2.5)


Table 2.5: Output of different irrigation methods
Irrigation modes No No. of users% of total planters Minimum capacitym³/ day Average capacity m³/day Maximum capacitym³/day
Sprinkler 39 58% 0.8 2.2 5.0
Watering can 58 87% 0.01 0.04 0.16
Hose 3 4% 0.8 4.0 5.4
5.4


The use of sprinklers requires the least physical effort. Thus, the output of the sprinkler system was compared to that of bother watering cans and the water hose methods. The utilisation of water hose is predominant where the three irrigation modes are concerned. On plots where irrigation is conducted using both sprinklers and watering cans, the utilisation of sprinklers id predominant. Where the output of sprinklers is inadequate for irrigation, the use of watering cans increases. It should also be notices that no clear-out relationship exists between storage capacity and the selection of the irrigation method.

2.5 SUMMARY

1. The planters at Rivière Banane relies mainly on the piping distribution system for irrigation water and 30% of them have also access to water from well.
2. Almost 12% of the planters do not have access to water and thus these peoples do not possess any storage facilities or irrigation systems.
3. The concrete reservoir has the highest water storage capacity (3.7 m³) and thus is the most common water storage facility.
4. The average water storage capacity for is 2.9 m³.
5. The collective use of sprinklers and water cans is the most favoured irrigation method, but the relative utilisation of sprinklers is higher.
6. The maximum irrigation of planters at Rivière Banane is 5 m³/day
7. Irrigation using water hose possesses the highest irrigation output.




1.2.6 TESTING OF 3 ROTARY COMPOSTERS WITH DIFFERENT WASTE GROUP

During April 2000, 3 composters have been received from Mauritius for testing. One technician from Mauritius was present for this occasion.

The 3-group wastes have been tested as follows: -
A. Manure (cow dung) + green vegetable
B. Guano + green vegetable
C. Manure (cow dung) + dry maize leaves.


After 1½ month of monitoring it has been found that composter A and B has shown very good decomposition rate, i.e., compost ready for application after 1 ½ month.
However composter C has shown very slow decomposition which has even stop at a certain time.
It has been concluded that for R. Banane the Group Waste should be mixed with either Cow dung or Guano for best results.

1.2.7 selection of planters for composter during may 2000

25 Planters have been selected by the planters group themselves to beneficiate of the composters.

1.2.8 construction of rotary composters

Prior of the positive results of A & B at 1.2.6. 25 additional composters have been constructed locally and delivered to the RCSS

1.2.9 TRAINING OF END USERS

The 25 identified planters have been trained in a 3 days workshop by the consultant (Dr Mohee) and the project Manager on: -

- chopping/mixing of group waste
- filling of composters
- moisture and temperature monitoring
- waste addition in composters
- use of compost


1.3.0 SETTING 0F COMPOSTER

25 composters has been installed at all the beneficiaries during the month of August 2000

2.0.0 MONITORING

Monitoring of all activities in relation to compost making was done by the project Manager. Daily visits by 3 hours per day every weeks was done by the project manager to ensure continuous follow up of good running of all installed composters.

A monitoring sheet was filled and sent to (Dr Mohee) at the end of each week. The Monitoring sheet is composed of-

- Temperature
- Moisture content
- Level of waste composters
- Any other remarks or problems
- That the composters were facing


3.0.0 VISITS

During the month of November the Minister of Agriculture Hons P. Jugnauth has visited the project and has been highly appreciated the ready compost and has inform the Island secretary that such project should be extent to other region of the island.

4.0.0 GENERAL COMMENTS OF PROJECT MANAGER

4.1.0 DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED.

The main problem encountered is the non-availability of waste of some beneficiaries, which grow on seasonal crops such as maize and onion, i.e., waste is available only during only certain period of the year. The second problem is that the island is suffering from adverse climatic conditions (draught) which unfortunately decrease considerably availability of agricultural residues, as certain planters have not been able to cultivate all.

The third problem in relation to drought also, as no demonstration plot has not been able to set up now as the adverse climatic conditions may affects considerably the results (from positive to negative) which will increase reticence among planters in using compost.

4.2.0 PROSPECTS

Although these problems mentioned above all the beneficiaries as well as other members of the community has found several advantages in compost such.

(i) Increase water retention capacity- according to the planters even with a few amount of irrigated water the plants tend to remain green. This is due to decrease in evaporation due to compost
(ii) Easy to produce
(iii) Easy to apply
(iv) Solve partly these problems in availability of inputs, e.g. manure



A survey has been conducted by the project Manager during the month of December 2000 to identified person who wish to have a composter and it has been found that all the planters want to have a composter and even to 2 for those who already possess one.


5.0.0 0PINION

According to me as an agricultural technician this type of compost making is the most appropriate type for Rodriguan Planters which cultivate on small scale basis. However to facilitate their task and decrease time taking in chopping waste, a chopper can be installed in the valley bottom whose maintenance will be ensure by the planters association.

15.01.2001


2.0.0 SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC IRRIGATION SYSTEM

2.1.0 PROJECT MANAGEMENT

The Project Management team was the same as for the Organic Composting in 1.1

2.2.2 SURVEY

A survey was conducted during August 1999 at each land holder. Data 's have been collected on irrigation system and other systems and other items such as:

- Water availability and distribution
- Water storage
- Irrigation methods
- Rate of use of each irrigation methods

Collected data's were sent to the University of Mauritius for analysis and compilation (see results at 2.4.0)


2.2.4 FORMATION AND TRAINING OF PLANTERS

3 Selected planters (same as for compost making) has attend a training session on P.V system with the consultant at the University of Mauritius from 1-3 of September 1999.


Objectives: -

To familiarize local persons with the system and it maintenance practices

Table 3.2: ways of disposing agricultural residues and food wastes
Wastes No. of planters
Allowed to rot Fed to animals thrown
Agricultural residues 15 43 44
Food wastes 11 50 43

3.3 Farm animals

Most of the planters rear pigs, poultry and cows. The animals that are mostly kept in sheds are pigs and cows (See Table 3.3). Thus, the wastes of these animals are the greatest potential for manure production.

Table 3.3:Farm animals
Farm animals Cow Pig sheep Goat Poultry
Total number 243 233 343 106 1701
No. of planters 47 57 6 11 51
Shed/Open animals ratio 0.12 0.27 0.00 0.00 0.04


3.4 Summary

1. Manure is available to almost all planters
2. The maximum quantity of manure available to the planters is 13 bags per month.
3. Most of the planters obtain their manure by collecting it from their farm animals and receiving it from other sources.
4. The potential of recuperating agricultural residues and food wastes for organic composting is very high.
5. Most planters rear pigs, poultry and cows.
6. The recuperation of wastes from pigs and cows has the highest potential for manure production.

Petsai is grown on the most extensive scale; i.e. 72% of the planters cultivate petsai.









Table 4.1:Analysis of vegetable monitoring at Rivière Banane
Vegetable Crop cycle (months) No. of planters Ratio of chemical fertilizer to manure (application (kg/kg) Expected harvest(kg /m²) Expected agricultural residues (kg/M²) Agricultural residues to harvest ratio (kg/kg)
Bean 5 3 0.00 0.50 0.20 0.52
Beet root 3-5 38 0.02 3.77 1.17 0.33
Brede 15 jours 15 days 1 0.00 2.50 0.19 0.08
Brede de chine 2 months 3 0.05 3.17 0.34 0.13
Brinjal 5-6 31 0.04 1.97 0.75 0.40
Cabbage 3-4 17 0.04 6.11 1.16 0.19
Calebasses 1-8 24 0.04 1.27 0.44 0.37
Carrot 3-3.5 40 0.01 1.99 0.40 0.22
Cucumber 1-8 35 0.04 1.56 0.43 031
Lettuce 2-3 38 0.01 7.18 0.10 0.01
Maize 3-3.5 13 0.00 1.39 0.64 0.98
Onion 5-6 23 0.05 1.00 0.24 0.25
Petsai 1.5- 2.5 48 0.02 2.96 0.24 0.10
Pipengaille 1.8 19 0.05 1.49 0.44 0.32
Poireau 6 5 0.04 0.95 0.00 0.00
Poivron 4-6 9 0.03 0.78 0.33 0.67
Potato 3-3.5 2 0.00 0.75 0.39 0.52
Pumpkin 1-8 19 0.04 1.52 0.39 0.30
Raddish 1 1 0.02 0.80 1.20 1.60
Sweet potato 5-6 3 0.02 0.85 0.70 0.45
Tom Pouce 1.5-2.5 2 0.01 4.88 0.35 0.07
Tomato 5 42 0.04 1.94 0.26 0.14
Vohem 3-4 3 0.01 1.13 0.18 0.23


Brede de chine, onion and pipengaille are cultivated with the highest ratio of chemical fertilizers to manure. Only manure is applied for the growth of maize, potato, bean and brede 15 jours.



















Table 4.2: the most extensive vegetable cultivation
Vegetable No. of planters % of planters Land area (m²)
Onion 23 34% 8913
Maize 13 19% 6348
Petsai 48 72% 4745
Tomato 42 63% 4012
Lettuce 38 57% 2434
Carrot 40 60% 2434
Beetroot 38 57% 2262
Cucumber 35 52% 1769
Cabbage 17 25% 1730
Calebasses 24 36% 1555
Pumpkin 19 28% 1416
Brinjal 31 46% 1555
Pipengaille 19 28% 995
Potato 2 3% 627
Sweet potato 3 4% 576
Bean 3 4% 450
Poivron 9 13% 330
Brede de chine 3 4% 250
Tom Pouce 2 3% 210
Poireau 5 7% 100
Vohem 3 4% 65
Brede 15 jours 1 1% 40
Raddish 1 1% 20

In general, the application of manure is most prominent.
Only manure is used for the cultivation of maize, potato and brede 15 jours
Brede de chine is cultivated with the highest ration of chemical fertilizers to manure.
The cultivation of raddish and maize leads to the highest of agricultural residues to harvest.
The highest ratios of agricultural residues to harvest are given in table 4.3.

Table 4.3: the highest ratios of agricultural residues to harvest
Vegetable Agricultural residues to harvest ration (kg/kg)
Raddish 1.60
Maize 0.98
Poivron 0.67
Potato 0.52
Bean 0.52
Sweet potato 0.45
Brinjal 0.40
Calebasses 0.37
Beet root 0.33
Pipengaille 0.32




2.2.6 INSTALLATION OF PROTOTYPE

A prototype has been installed at MR. R. Edouard's field on 21.12.1999 with the following objectives:_

- Ensure maximum community interest and participation
- Assess the viability of the system. This will involve careful selection and/or modification of the system.
- Maximum planters interest and participation has been in very good conditions for the first eight months

The system has faced a problem of a battery during July-August period. Quick reparation has not been possible as the battery is not available on local market for replacement and there is a not well trained local technician for reparation


2.2.7 TRAINING OF LOCAL TECHNICIANS

10 local technician has been formed by a professional from Mauritius for one week on the system during August 2000

2.2.8 PROBLEMS FACED BY THE SYSTEMS

1.BATTERY: - Repaired at end of August 2000 by trained local technicians

2.WIRING: - Frequent wiring problem has been faced during the end of year 2000 which may be due to high sunlight intensity as wiring is partly exposed to direct sunlight.


2.2.9 PLANTERS INTEREST

The planters have shown very good interest in the system mainly those who are supplied with electricity/electric pump. However during end of year mainly November 2000 the concerned planter (R. Edouard) has shown certain reticence, the main reason is that he has been provided with electricity and has bought electric pump.

However many other planters mainly those who cannot buy an electric pump is waiting for installation of the system in their field.


RECOMMENDATION

- Apart from the P.V panel all the other accessories should be bought locally to facilitate reparation
- There should be some modifications in the wiring to avoid contact with direct sunlight
- The system should be installed as quickly as possible at identified planters to avoid a decrease in interests thus no participation.

GENERAL COMMENTS

As Rodrigues is a small Island a change in the environment will have a very high negative impact on the ecosystem of the island which may affect life. A decrease in emission of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. P.V solar system is a very good example of practiced that will help stabilizing the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

The system is highly benefit for the planters in the valley, however certain planters have show little interest with the coming of electricity as they can buy a pump which not the case for 3/4 of the planters group. The project should continue to help these identified planters (which are those of lowest income) improving their standard of living by improving their production.

15.01.2001