At Shalimar Fresh, we are very aware that agriculture can lead to significant pressure on natural resources and the environment. Therefore, as a company, we are committed to sustainable agricultural practices that are intended to protect the environment, expand the natural resource base, and maintain and improve soil fertility.
Our practices include the following:
Pollution Prevention and Efficient Use of Resources in all production processes through careful:
- Water management. Regular water analysis is undertaken together with efficient irrigation methods as per incline, altitude, and soil type. Washing wastewater is discharged safely through separate soak pits to prevent watercourses and surface water drains. Rainwater harvesting processing and storage are also undertaken to ensure the planned use of resources.
Drip irrigation is used where possible with the option of overhead irrigation used in certain areas, and water is safely stored in tanks and reservoirs with all appropriate permits. All water sources are kept free from potential waste and contamination in line with international guidelines.
- Waste management. Long drop and flush toilets are used to direct waste to the septic tanks. Any other potential pollutants are assessed, and safe disposal methods are innovated and implemented. All hazardous waste materials are collected and disposed of by NEMA approved agents. Maximum utilisation of product waste is integral, therefore it is recycled and some is used to make compost and manure for crops.
- Soil management. Soil management is an integral part of ensuring that all our horticulture products are healthy. Our soil management programs minimise soil erosion through contour cultivation, cover crops and minimal tillage techniques are practised. Fertilisers and compost mixes are also sourced through known sources and are made from ethical and organic ingredients. Heavy metal analysis is also conducted, and relevant authentic certification is provided as evidence to protect against soil pollution.
Our soil is kept healthy and relatively soil-borne pest-free through crop rotation, the addition of good quality organic matter and proper cultivation of the soil for proper aeration.
- Air management. Fumigants are not used on any of the premises, and specific designated smoking areas are in use by employees. Dark smoke pollutants are controlled by the prevention of plastic burning. These are collected by NEMA approved recyclers.
- Storage management. Plants are all stored in well banded, ventilated and well lit with no outlet drains.
- Energy management. Electricity is primarily used on all farms to run machinery, pumps, lighting, and generators. Routine maintenance is documented to promote effective running and energy savings. Energy-efficient schemes are in place to prevent waste, with solar and wind energy mechanisms being implemented to make each farm energy efficient. Regular recordings are taken, analysed annually and changes are made accordingly.
Recycling and Re-use of Materials happen in line with health and safety methods with no compromise on quality. It is as follows:
- Wood materials: obtained from authentic and renewable sources. Vito sticks for supporting runner beans and peas are re-used for around 4 crop seasons.
- Plastics: recycled plastic sutli-twines are used for crop support, while polytunnel plastics and old drip lines are re-used until practically possible. Once ready to be discarded, the old plastics are given to recycling companies approved by NEMA.
- Paper waste: the group of companies have shifted to majority electronic data recording. Only records worth 5 years are filed after which the paper is composted.
- Metal & Glass Waste: is kept in the yard for future recycling and is ultimately recycled by NEMA approved recyclers.
- Old pesticide containers, equipment, PPE and other hazardous containers are recorded and disposed of safely by NEMA approved firms.
Our Wildlife, Landscape Enhancement and Conservation Policy is an important part of our operations. To ensure that the biodiversity of our wonderful flora and fauna is preserved, protected, and improved.
Bulk farm waste is converted into compost. Soil that has difficulty in growing crops are treated with this organic compost. Once the soil is nutrient-rich, banana trees and indigenous trees are planted, enriching forest cover through afforestation, and providing renewable wood stocks. All-natural habitats such as watercourses, ponds, swamps and rough grazing zones are all protected within the farm.
Seedlings are also provided to the local community to look after, to encourage land reclamation and afforestation to protect the integrity of the land.
As certain crops require bees as pollinators, locally crafted and reared bee hives are placed strategically over the farm to maximise pollination and remains a haven for these endangered creatures.
Field insectaries and banker crops within the crops and on empty land have encouraged biodiversity through the flowering plants. This strategically creates a balance between pests and beneficial insects on each premise.
Farming operations also strictly do not affect wildlife corridors. Any known wildlife habitats are left alone and encouraged as long as staff welfare and premises safety are not compromised.
