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Jacfruit: Nurturing Sustainable production through Indoor Farming

In an era marked by the implications of climate change, geopolitical uncertainties and a steadily increasing global population, food security has emerged as a concern for governments worldwide.

The potential of technology to mitigate these challenges is evident, with vertical farming taking the lead as a revolutionary solution. This approach, particularly indoor farming, involves cultivating crops within controlled environments—such as buildings or containers—using artificial lighting and precise climate regulation to create optimal growing conditions. This method enables year-round crop production and can be adapted to various settings, urban or remote, offering benefits like enhanced efficiency, reduced water consumption, and a smaller environmental footprint compared to traditional agriculture.

The indoor farming sector is witnessing rapid expansion, with forecasts predicting a compound annual growth rate of 11.3% from 2023 to 2033. Currently valued at USD 40.51 billion, this trend has seen significant adoption in countries like Singapore and the Netherlands, where land and water scarcity present considerable challenges. These nations have successfully adopted sustainable alternatives to conventional farming methods.

A prime example of this trend in Mauritius is Jacfruit. Located in Pamplemousses, this innovative company has achieved remarkable success by adopting indoor farming techniques to produce pesticide-free crops such as microgreens, spinach, lettuce, and edible flowers. Jacfruit was founded in 2020 with the goal of revolutionizing agriculture through sustainability. Microgreens, known for their sustainability benefits, require 90% less water and mature in nearly half the time of traditional crops.

Despite the hurdles presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, Jacfruit has shown resilience, adapting its operations to maintain and even increase production. By overseeing the entire production process, from seeding to retail, the company guarantees the freshness and quality of its products. This commitment to excellence is also evident in their unique packaging designs and effective cold chain management, ensuring an eight-day shelf life. Currently, Jacfruit supplies its products to leading retail outlets in Mauritius, serving environmentally conscious consumers in search of premium sustainable produce.

"Vertical farming is not merely about food production; it's about cultivating a brighter future for everyone," states James Dalais, director of Jacfruit. "We are dedicated to refining our cultivation methods through continuous experimentation and learning. Each crop cycle offers valuable lessons, enabling us to increase yields while reducing resource use. This cultivation method allows us to produce a variety of crops all year round. We're proud to contribute to a movement that rethinks food production and redefines our environmental stewardship. Our customers are investing in a vision of a healthier, more sustainable future." he adds.

With traditional open-field farming losing appeal among younger generations, vertical farming stands out as a beacon of innovation. It leverages technology to reshape the future of agriculture and inspire others to embrace this path. Furthermore, the government has introduced an investment certificate scheme, providing incentives to stimulate investment in this promising sector.

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