Building A Greenhouse On An Island Far, Far Away

The island of Réunion is located in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar. The island is 63 kilometers long and 45 kilometers wide, covering a total of 2,512 square kilometers and housing over 860,000 inhabitants. Réunion is formed completely of volcanic rocks and combined with its tropical climate, vegetable production isn't that easy. "Greenhouse production answers the agricultural challenges on this island", Aurore Hoarau of JM Horti Consulting states.

Greenhouse production

Jean-Marc and Aurore were born on the island of Réunion. They both gained experience and an extensive background in horticulture, working as growers and advisors at several greenhouse companies and cooperatives in France, Réunion, Morocco and the UK. A couple of years ago they returned home, and with their company JM Horti Consulting, they are now helping Réunion farmers and growers optimize their operations and guide them on the way to produce more sustainably and responsibly, including the adaption of modern techniques and use of biological crop control. 

Small greenhouses
The first greenhouses appeared on the island of Réunion in the late 1990s. Due to the hilly nature, many small nurseries have been established on the island, mainly in the southern part. "The challenge is to produce in a healthy and profitable way on a small agricultural surface", Aurore explains.

The average size of the operations is 5 ha with the vegetable greenhouse being 0.3 ha on average. The climate on the island is tropical. Combined with the demand from the local market for fruit, vegetables, and lettuce, JM Horti Consulting has decided to represent Asthor greenhouses on the island. "We want to work with the product that can be adapted best to the expectations and needs for the farmers, both in terms of quality and professionalism."

Greenhouse project
An example of the developments of horticulture on Réunion is shown in the recently erected greenhouse. "We've accompanied the grower from training in soilless cultivation techniques to realization of the greenhouse project: advising on the choice of the greenhouse, the irrigation system and the utilities to recycle drainage water."

With the application of all these techniques, the completed greenhouse is perfectly compatible with the agricultural development on Réunion: a grower starting a new experience by working in a greenhouse. "We will accompany him in running the greenhouse and growing the crops, knowing he can't wait to start the first harvest from the new greenhouse. Protected cultivation answers the challenges on the island."

For more information:
JmHorti-Consulting
Jean Marc Hoarau & Aurore HOARAU-Ferrante
jmhorticonsulting@gmail.com

Publication date: 5/2/2018
Author: Arlette Sijmonsma
Copyright: www.hortidaily.com