Agriterra Harvests 90 Tonnes Of Onions, Targeting National Import Dependence

A major player in the Mauritian sugar industry, Agriterra, has successfully diversified its operations with a 90-tonne harvest of high-yield yellow hybrid onions. This significant yield marks a tangible step in the company’s strategy to strengthen Mauritius’s food self-sufficiency and reduce its reliance on imports.

Harvest Details and National Importance

The successful harvest, which took place at the end of October 2025, was announced in a company press release.

• Production Goal: Agriterra forecasts a total production of 90 tonnes of onions this year.
• Location: The crops were grown on three hectares of land at Solitude.
• Land Use: These sugarcane plots were temporarily converted to food crops starting in mid-June.
• Strategic Aim: This move is part of a national push to enhance food independence.

Farming Methods and Distribution

The company’s approach involves advanced agricultural methods, focusing on both yield and quality:

• Crop Rotation Model: Agriterra employs a crop rotation model, planting food crops between sugarcane cycles. This not only yields the onions but also improves soil fertility and optimises land use.
• Premium Quality: The high-yield yellow hybrid onions are preferred for their superior quality compared to local varieties.
• Manual Harvesting: To ensure the quality of the bulbs is preserved, the entire harvest is conducted manually, requiring approximately 400 workdays for the 90-tonne yield.
• Sales Channel: The majority of the hybrid onions are sold to wholesalers, though a portion is also destined for the Agricultural Marketing Board.
• Land Replanting: Following the onion harvest, the plots are replanted with sugarcane.

Corporate and Environmental Commitment

By diversifying into food crops, Agriterra is advancing its commitment to sustainable and responsible farming:

• Responsible Practices: The company is reinforcing its dedication to responsible agricultural practices.
• Dual Benefit: This strategy delivers both economic and environmental benefits while actively working to reduce national import dependence.

Source: Le Mauricien