Islands Crop
pp. 33-34 · Read in the full issue
Derris As A Possible
IN order to stimulate the growing of derris—the source of a widely used insecticide—the Fiji Agricultural De partment is offering a limited number of planters a guaranteed 9d. per pound “on the beach” for the next three years There is a world’s trade in derris, but formerly most supplies came from Malaya and Java. These being no longer available, Fiji planters have the opportunity of experimenting with a new crop.
For some years, the Fiji Department has maintained small plantings of this tuber. Derris elliptica , in both the wet and dry zones of Vitu Levu. The plant is a close relation of the native derris known to Fijians as duva, and used by them as a fish poison.
It is easily propagated from cuttings and must be grown in light soils to facilitate the harvesting of the roots from which the insecticide is ground The crop matures in about 24 months and yields about 1,000 pounds to the ’ acre.
After planting, an occasional weeding is all the attention required.
Many inquiries have been received in Fiji from Australia and New Zealand but, as to whether this will be a profit able crop after the war remains to be seen. It all hinges on the great and growing problem of world markets All that can be said at present is that it is now in demand, and that it offers a possible alternative, or supplementary crop, to copra, since in suitable condi tions it will grow under coconuts, if the latter do not shade the derris too heavily.
Save money now to save everything Buy War Savings Certificates and £lO National Savings Bonds.
The Rev. Brother Anselm Wobken, of the Catholic Mission of Fiji, died in Suva on October 5. He gave unsparingly of his services on all occasions and, since his arrival in the Colony in 1932, endeared himself to all with whom he came in contact.