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Production of energy, biofuel, special sugars: in Mauritius, the major sugar cane millers have innovated to make full use of the potential of this resource.
In 2009 in Mauritius, the factories only produced brown sugar. But that same year, the end of the sugar protocol signed with the European Union and which guaranteed income stability will force manufacturers to diversify.
« What you see there is the umbilical cord between the sugar factory and the thermal power station… “, explains Rajiv Ramlugon, director of sustainable development at Omnicane. It is in front of the power plant of the agro-industrial group which produces energy using cane bagasse. This is the fibrous residue left after the sugar has been extracted. During the six-month cutting period, this bagasse is burned to produce electricity.
« This plant produces around 18% of the island’s energy consumption. In the past, in Mauritian jargon when we said to someone: “you are bagasse“That meant he was useless! Today this is no longer the case because bagasse has regained all its importance, all its value for energy production and to fight against global warming.. “says the director of Omnicane.
Different varieties of sugar
Sugar molasses is also transformed into bioethanol. Zero waste and innovation. The group is now developing different varieties of sugar. Jean-Luc Caboche is director of the sugar refinery: “ The idea is to no longer export brown sugar, but to convert it into white with a higher added value and to export this white. We also rely on our innovations such as this low glycemic sugar and also an antioxidant sugar ».
► To read or listen: Mauritius loses its small sugar cane producers
Further diversification. On its 15,000 hectares of land, Alteo, Mauritius’ number one sugar producer, has undertaken real estate projects. A strategic repositioning that does not jeopardize the future of the cane, according to Fabien de Marassé Enouf CEO of Alteo.
« Indeed, the actors who find themselves today in the field of hotels, services, or textiles were at the base of the sugar producers who knew how to diversify with the development of the island, he details. It was more of an economic reality. Some marginal lands are no longer cultivable, the cost of maintaining and harvesting his fields no longer made sense. It’s really something generational also among some planters ».
The areas under cane are shrinking, also leaving room for other market gardening crops, because with 80% imports, the island is increasingly seeking to secure its food sovereignty.