Fiji Planters May Help

to Cure Leprosy

FJI planters now have an opportunity of assisting in the treatment of leprosy by growing Hydnocarpus trees, from which Chaulmoogra oil is derived.

In the Fiji Agricultural Journal of December, 1943, Dr. Austin, Medical Superintendent of Makogai leper station, states that with the aid of Chaulmoogra oil an average of 50 patients a year are discharged from Makogai. The oil is injected regularly and results appear to be influenced by the degree of fresh ness of the oil. In view of this, it was decided some years ago to try to produce oil locally, and several hundred Hydno carpus trees were planted at the station, with the result that Makogai now pro duces about half its annual requirements.

The oil so derived is preferred to the imported stuff by the patients, as it seems to have less irritant qualities. How ever, no more land is available on Mako gai and it has been suggested that planters and other residents of Fiji may be willing to assist this great work by planting a few trees.

The trees grow to a height of 20 to 30 feet and should be planted 15 feet apart.

Some trees bear after three years; all are bearing well at five years. The fruit should be collected as it falls and not be allowed to rot on the ground, and arrangements for transport will have to be made as supplies become available, as the fresher the fruit when crushed, the better will be the oil produced.

Those interested in playing a small part in the cure of leprosy may obtain seeds from the Director of Agriculture, Suva, and the Agriculture Officers at Sigatoka and Naduruloulou.