Hi-tech agriculture is an integral part of Claude Philogène’s daily life in Pailles. He has invested Rs 2,5 billion in the production of tomatoes and peppers by the hydroponic method in 1,500 square metres of greenhouse space. The least he can say is that his retirement is not exactly restful. “What was supposed to be a light job finally turned out to be demanding in terms of time.” He works twelve hours a day and confesses: “It is worse than my former job.”

An inexplicable passion for hydroponics prompted him to start his business four years ago, after retiring from his job in sugar technology. “As a consultant in sugar technology for Mauritian and foreign industries, I knew absolutely nothing about hydroponics. I don’t really know why but I’ve always been interested in this field.” He humorously admits that he tried growing tomatoes through hydroponics in his garden before but all the plants died.

You really have to be a professional to do it.” He thus followed a crash-course in hydroponics. A foreign expert came to coach him and he had to go to Reunion Island to see how things work. “The agricultural department of the Agricultural Research & Extension Unit also helped me a lot. Even now I can call upon them for help if I have a problem.”

State financial help for hydroponic gardening gave him a boost. He has invested Rs 2,5 million in the business so far. He first started with a greenhouse of 500 square metres but the investment and production costs being very high, he extended his activities to 1,500 m2 to grow green, yellow and red peppers as well so as to reduce the fixed costs.

The business is not too bad but Mauritians are still reluctant to include tomatoes in their diet. “The ‘pommes d’amour’ are rooted in Mauritian cooking and people do not see why they should buy tomatoes, which are more expensive.” But people are gradually getting used to them and even starting to enjoy them.

They may have understood that they are a very tasty and healthy product. Technically, tomatoes grown by hydroponics in greenhouses do not need herbicide. The use of pesticides is minimal but inevitable to prevent fungus, tiny insects or dust mites from spoiling the plants. “But such products used properly constitute absolutely no danger for human health.”

<B>High-quality and healthy</B>

As for green peppers, competition from importers is tough. Production costs are high and inevitably increase the price. Products from South Africa or other African countries are far less expensive; they can grow larger quantities as their costs are lower.

Claude Philogène’s originality lies in his special variety: cherry tomatoes. “I have tasted them abroad and really enjoyed them. They give a special taste to salads and can be served as snacks with a drop of olive oil.” Although his main customers - supermarkets – were sceptical at first, they are now starting to buy them.

It seems he has a special relation with his supermarket customers, but a few hotels and gastronomic restaurants are also interested. “I go to supermarkets myself and show my products explaining that they are high-quality and healthy. None of my customers have left so far.”

Claude Philogène enjoys what he does but he is realistic. “The business is far from profitable. I have a lot to do: I am the manager, the accountant, the deliveryman…” He has no regrets but he would like to have a better margin to be able to repay his debt. However he remains positive: “For someone like me, who loves the job, it is very interesting. I’ve learned so much through it about different methods and about agriculture as a whole.”

<B>Production mode</B>

Claude’s tomatoes and peppers are grown with professionalism. Each greenhouse contains only one type of vegetable since mixing them would spoil them. All are covered with a tarpaulin that can be removed during cyclones. The rows of tomatoes and peppers are watered through an automatic irrigation system, containing all the food the plants need. He also tries to control temperature with automatic atomisers but it is difficult in summer. The ideal temperature is 28°C but it can reach up to 32 to 34 °C in Pailles in summer. The main rule is hygiene. For instance, you have to wear special clothes – or very clean ones – to enter the greenhouse. Planters also have to remove their shoes and wear specially disinfected shoes to protect the plants from diseases.