Medine Smashes Records With 246 Tonnes of Red Onions Harvested in Cascavelle

A 3.2-hectare plot yielded a staggering 246 tonnes of produce, representing a yield of 77 tonnes per hectare. This figure significantly outperforms the national average, marking a major breakthrough for the region’s agricultural productivity. Medine has announced this “exceptional” agricultural milestone after recording a record-breaking red onion harvest at its Cascavelle estate this December.

Innovation Drives Productivity

The surge in production has been attributed to the introduction of a new high-yield red onion variety, supported by rigorous soil preparation and precision farming techniques.

According to the group, the record was achieved through:

• Optimised irrigation management and effective weed control.
• Methodical cultivation throughout the production cycle.
• Favourable harvest conditions, specifically limited rainfall, though officials noted the climate was not “exceptional” during this period.

Edgar Joseph Pierre Desjardins, Head of Agrinnovation at Medine, described the success as the result of “methodical work” and “precise cultural management” at every stage of growth.

Beyond Cascavelle: A Growing Trend

While the Cascavelle plot stole the headlines, other areas also reported strong results using the same onion variety.

A 1.8-hectare plot at Bois Pipes produced 46 tonnes per hectare, while a 5-hectare site at La Vanille saw 64 tonnes per hectare.

While a “good” yield typically ranges between 40 and 60 tonnes per hectare, Medine’s overall average has risen to 33 tonnes per hectare this year—a notable jump from its usual 25 tonnes.

Securing the Future

The record harvest is being viewed as a victory for national food security. Patrick Lagesse, Managing Director of Medine’s Agriculture pole, stated that these results validate the group’s vision of investing in innovation and sustainable practices.

“These results demonstrate that better-controlled agriculture can produce more in a responsible manner,” Mr Lagesse said, adding that the performance contributes directly to the food security of Mauritius.

Source: Defi Media