IDC projects advancing well |18 February 2023

The Islands Development Company (IDC) is making progress on a number of projects some of which will benefit the country at large, and others which are vital towards the company’s expansion.

The project for agricultural development on Coetivy island is thus far advancing well, and progressing into its second phase, chief executive Glenny Savy revealed to the media last week.

Thus far, trials to determine the types of vegetables better suited for production on the island have been conducted on Desroches island since it is largely similar to Coetivy, and the Israeli company contracted to carry out the first phase are set to start the second phase, comprising the costing exercise, and finalising the technical details and elements, as well as infrastructure system for IDC to utilise to maximise production.

“We have received the first report. It is really encouraging, in the sense that all the parameters on Coetivy – and they also visited Desroches – are satisfactory, that is to say we have more than enough water, and the soil quality is good. They considered numerous elements on the island and have concluded that it is very satisfactory for large-scale agriculture, with some under shade houses, making use of tunnels or open air agriculture,” Mr Savy stated.

IDC has managed to, through the project, produce around 300 to 400 kilogrammes of tomatoes on just a few beds, during the Northwest monsoon season, when it is particularly humid and rainy, and the crop does not fare as well.

As it aims to develop its agricultural production over 200-hectares, it will take around 5 years before IDC can reach capacity. A significant proportion of the space will also be dedicated to the production of animal feed, with crops such as corn which can be converted to animal feed for livestock and pork production.

A number of farmers have expressed their interest in joining IDC in the venture, and are currently in dialogue with the entity.

In terms of pricing, IDC’s strategy is to supply the market with produce at an affordable rate, at prices lower than imports.

“The aim is to reduce maximum what is being imported, and produce much, mainly during the Northwest monsoon when we have the shortage of fruits and vegetables,” Mr Savy said.

“It has to be cost effective, just as our production of poultry, pork which have to be cost effective in the sense that it must not surpass the price of what the market is paying right now,” Mr Savy added.

The project has already started bearing fruits as IDC now supplies vegetables and free-range eggs to hotels, and demand for such products are ever-increasing from other establishments.

In addition to the agricultural development, IDC is channeling efforts into establishing relevant infrastructure to allow for expansion of its various services, including aviation.

After successful negotiations with government, the company was given the plot which housed the former national agro-industries for the construction of a new aviation office, arrival and departure lounge for staff and visitors travelling to and from the outer islands, as well as a hangard with adequate space to accommodate all of the organisation’s planes.

Mr Savy noted that IDC is now also catering to increased demand for aviation services to the outer islands.

“Our aeronautical development is solid. We currently have three Beechcraft but in two years it will not be enough. Unfortunately Beechcrafts are no longer manufactured, so, we are thinking about a new style of planes which can accommodate 40 passengers instead of 16 as we are doing presently, with a more important cargo capacity,” he added.

A second building, its headquarters, is expected to be completed soon. The building, located at Ile du Port comprises the head office, a large warehouse to hold all materials, spare parts and equipment for use on the outer islands, as well as a workshop.

It is expected that by April IDC will move from its current premises next to the Victoria port to the new location to make way for the port extension.

The facility also boasts a jetty measuring around 30 metres to facilitate loading and offloading of goods to and from the islands.

Laura Pillay