Introduction
At Heirloom Harvest, our mission goes beyond just providing fresh, high-quality smoked fish. We are dedicated to creating a sustainable ecosystem that encompasses both aquaculture and agriculture. With a focus on Nile Tilapia and innovative nursery operations for Calina dwarf papaya, mint, and stevia, we are redefining how food reaches your table.
The Challenge in Aquaculture
In Cameroon, over 60% of fish is imported, even with abundant aquatic resources available. Local fish farmers often face high mortality rates due to inadequate monitoring of water quality and fish health. This not only jeopardizes their livelihoods but also contributes to a protein scarcity affecting over 30% of our population. We recognize the urgent need for innovative solutions.
Our Innovative Aquaculture Approach
From Fish Farm to Table
Heirloom Harvest is committed to making fresh, high-quality smoked fish accessible to all. Our approach includes:
- IoT-Based Monitoring Systems: These cutting-edge systems monitor water quality parameters in real-time, allowing farmers to manage their tilapia farms remotely and respond quickly to any issues.
- AI Fish Behavior Monitors: Underwater cameras equipped with AI analyze fish behavior, helping to detect early signs of stress or disease, ultimately enhancing farm productivity.
- Eco-Friendly Smoking Oven: Our solar-powered smoking oven ensures that our fish is not only delicious but also produced sustainably.
Expanding into Agriculture: Our Nursery Operations
In addition to our aquaculture efforts, Heirloom Harvest is excited to cultivate a variety of plants that support local diets and sustainable practices. The Calina dwarf papaya is compact, growing to 3-4 feet, with vigorous growth and early maturity, producing fruit in about 8 months. Its fruit weighs 1.7 to 2.3 kg, featuring thick, sweet, red flesh and good resistance to viruses. Preferring well-drained soil and full sunlight, it requires regular watering and has excellent fruit-setting capabilities. The plant can be male, female, or hermaphroditic, making hermaphroditic plants ideal for self-pollination. We also grow mint and stevia, which are valuable culinary ingredients that promote health and wellness, encouraging healthier eating habits in our communities.
The Impact
By integrating aquaculture and agriculture, Heirloom Harvest aims to empower local farmers and contribute to food security. Our efforts not only improve livelihoods but also create a more resilient food system that can withstand challenges.
Growth Potential
In the past two years, we have built a loyal customer base, achieving 5 tons of fish sales in 2024 with an 85% customer return rate. Our partnerships with local restaurants have solidified our presence in the market, and we see great potential for expanding both our fish and nursery operations.
The Business Model
Heirloom Harvest generates revenue through multiple streams:
- Sales of fresh and smoked fish
- Nursery sales of Calina dwarf papaya, mint, and stevia
- Animal protein from fish peels
- Biofertilizers from fish water
- Community workshops on aquaculture and sustainable farming
This diverse approach ensures we meet the needs of our community while maximizing revenue.
The Future
To realize our vision of a sustainable food ecosystem, we are seeking an investment of 5 million CFA. This funding will allow us to expand our aquaculture technology and nursery operations.
Conclusion
At Heirloom Harvest, we are not just transforming fish farming; we are cultivating a sustainable future for agriculture as well. Join us on this exciting journey as we create a reliable source of protein and fresh produce that our communities can trust and enjoy. Together, we can make a lasting impact on food security and economic stability in Cameroon.
