Tomato Growing Booms
p. 30 · Read in the full issue
in Cook Is.
From Out Own Correspondent
H Rarotonga, June 6.
IGH prices realised last year by Rarotonga tomato growers have resulted in large plantings this sea son. Shipments commenced in earnest with 4,000 boxes in June, and if shipping space can be provided, a record season is expected. Prices received so far this year have been between 15/- and 20/- per box of approximately 20 lb., as against an
average of about 6/- in pre-war years.
This phenomenal increase has, of course, been largely offset by increased living costs, but the fact remains that tomatoes are by far the best paying crop in the Cook Islands to-day, in spite of the risk of heavy loss through non-shipment.
The rich volcanic soil and cool winter climate of the Southern Cooks are very favourable to the cultivation of tomatoes.
Crops are repeated within three months of planting and this is an added attrac tion t 9 the Maori grower, who has become proficient in the delicate task of raising the young seedlings. It is apparent that a canning or dehydrating plant would be of tremendous value to the islands and should be of profit to the operator.
A more remote, though rele'vant, aspect of the business is the effect which air transport will have on the islands’ fruit trade. Tomatoes, in perfect condition, could be landed in New Zealand, by air,’ throughout the winter months. The weight of a box of tomatoes in relation to its value is such that the obstacle of high freight rates could be overcome.
Much would depend, of course, on New Zealand’s consuming capacity; but with more efficient distribution, and consump tion increased accordingly, the supply of New Zealand’s winter requirements of tomatoes alone would bring prosperity to island growers.
With orange and banana growing, how ever, the position is far from satisfactory Prices of Government-controlled oranges and bananas in 1939 were 3/9 and 3/6 per case respectively; now they are 5/6 and 5/- per case—a small rise considering wartime conditions. Practically no inter est is now taken by growers in these products; the banana industry, particu larly, having come to a dead-end.