By Mohun Harris
My name is Rekha Rambhujun, and I’m a proud dragon fruit farmer from Mare La Chaux village, in the east of Mauritius. At 51, I look back on my journey with deep gratitude and pride—a journey fueled by passion, perseverance, and a dream to create something of my own.
I'm married and blessed with three wonderful children. For many years, I worked in the hotel industry to support my family. But once my children grew up, I felt a strong pull toward starting my own business. Agriculture had always intrigued me, and I dreamed of turning my small plot of 0.21 hectares into something fruitful.
Initially, I considered cultivating pineapples (Ananas comosus). But after analyzing the evolution of the fruit sector in Mauritius and seeking expert advice, I decided to venture into something a bit more exotic dragon fruit (Selenicereus undatus), also known as pitaya. It was a bold move, and I invested all my savings into this new adventure.
Starting out wasn’t easy. I faced many challenges, especially with plant growth. I quickly realized that passion alone wasn't enough—I needed knowledge and proper guidance. That’s when I reached out to the Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (FAREI). There, I had the privilege of meeting the late Mr. G. Moorghen, an extensionist whose wisdom changed everything for me.
He didn’t just offer advice—he visited my field, walked with me through the challenges, and gave practical, hands-on recommendations that transformed my cultivation methods. I’m also deeply thankful for the continued support from Mr. V. Koopla, and extensionists Mrs. Burthia and Mrs. Jaunkeypersad, who helped me learn vital practices like pruning, fertilization, and pest and disease management.
FAREI also offered me training on Pesticide Use and the MauriGAP standards, which helped me improve the quality and safety of my produce.
Today, I cultivate six varieties of dragon fruit, two of which are newly introduced. My small farm has become a thriving enterprise—and I’m not stopping here. I plan to expand by cultivating an additional 0.42 hectares in Salazie, Belvedere.
This journey has also been one of teamwork. My husband plays a vital role, especially in pollination, which is crucial for fruit development. His involvement reminds me daily that farming is not just about soil and crops—it’s about partnership, love, and shared dreams.
For marketing, I’ve established contracts with intermediaries in the East of Mauritius. I grade my fruits carefully and deliver according to agreed-upon standards and timelines. It’s important to me that every fruit that leaves my farm reflects hard work and quality.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: “The soil and the plant you nurture with love will surely return the fruits of your labour.” To all the women out there dreaming of starting something new, don’t be afraid. With determination, willingness to learn, and the right support, you can overcome any hurdle.
I’m deeply thankful to FAREI for walking with me on this journey, and to the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) for shining a light on women in agriculture. On 7th February 2025, a special programme showcasing my dragon fruit cultivation was aired in Bhojpuri on MBC. You can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EB7zkPFukSM
I hope my story inspires others to believe in their dreams and grow them, one seed at a time.
The author is a Senior Extension Officer from the Information unit FAREI and also CCARDESA ICKM Focal Point Person for Mauritius.
