Growing Vegetables For the Army

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 55, 8 March 1944, Page 4

Growing Vegetables For the Army

Scheme Well Under Way That the scheme for producing vegetables for New Zealand troops stationeo at home and for export to those overseas, was well under way in the lower half ot the North Island in spite of many difficulties, was told to the "Times” yesterday, by Mr. C. J. Hamblyn, Fields Superintendent, Department of Agriculture. There are nine production areas situated at Opiki (near Shannon), Hawera, Devin, Otaki, Ohakune, Hastings, Greytown and small areas at Palmerston North and ‘Wanganui. When the scheme was first started the areas ranged in size from 40 acres at Otaki to 180 acres at Ohakune, their total being 700 acres. During the past six months, however, the acreage had been increased to 1700 acres. When the areas were first taken over they comprised mostly grasslands and a great deal of work had to be done in fencing, draining, removing hedges, and erecting buildings for staff as well as bringing the land to a suitable state for cultivation of vegetables. About 400 men, women and youths are employed on the several areas and although difficulties were experienced at first owing to the inexperience of the workers, this has been remedied as the employees become accustomed to their jobs. Owing to the abnormal weather conditions this season the production programme has been seriously affected. The last spring delayed planting, the dry summer held up growth and the planting ot winter vegetables, while the storms of the last week had a detrimental effect on some of the crops. Production covers 23 different varieties of vegetables including tomatoes, sweet corn, spring onions, lettuce, celery anti cucumbers as well as the basic vegetables, and the programme provides for an average of 7 to 8 vegetables, including salads, for practically every month of the year. The areas up to date have produced approximately 3000 tons of vegetables but with the increase in acreage, production from which is just coming into effect, the output will be much greater. In January, for instance, the production was one ana a quarter million pounds weight and for February two a quarter million pounds. It is expected that production will continue round about two and a half million pounds for each month of the year. On the Hastings area of 34 acres tomatoes are being produced. This area has done particularly well, producing from midJanuary to mid-April last year approximately 400 tons or from 10 to 12 tons to the acre. The output from the 34 acres this February was 150 Lons. As a considerable amount of the crops is now exported, the Hawera, Ohakune and Hastings areas are being directed to the production of vegetables for overseas, the chief crop being cabbages, carrots, beetroot and other roots. One of the most prolific plots is a small one of five acres in Palmerston North. This area which was originally of ten acres and had to be reduced owing to labour problems, had, previous to reduction, produced up to December 1943 (a little over 12 months) one hundred tons of vegetables.