THINGS are looking sweet for the Kalano Community Farm on the outskirts of Katherine.
The indigenous-run farm is planting its sixth commercial tomato crop and hopes to produce about 100 tonnes this year.
All of the crop is sold to the Woolworths chain which uses the produce in its Northern Territory outlets.
Farm manager Chris Cronin said growing any horticultural crop in the NT was a tricky business.
Production was cursed by insects and such hot conditions that plants were treated with potassium chloride to slow them down, else they produced a value-less mushy product.
“The country is beautiful but the temperature is really hot,’’ Mr Cronin said. “It means the tomatoes need a lot of love.’’
Mr Cronin, formerly a cereal grower from West Australia, said it was essential to retard the growth of tomatoes as the fruit ripened rapidly in the heat.
He said farming in such conditions was a continual learning curve.
“We’re the only ones growing them commercially in the NT so what does that say?’’ he said. “The potassium chloride slows the plant down.’’
About 1.4 ha had been planted to a large, hybrid tomato variety but he hoped to lift this to at least 1.7 ha, if he could get the labor.
Mr Cronin said the farm had excellent soils and good water but environmental conditions and labor were an enduring battle.
The product was a bonus for Woolies because it cut steep transport costs and allowed the company to sell a much fresher product.
“We’re also planting a heap of chillies and sweet corn for the local market,’’ he said.
Growing tunnels were also being built.
The farm is just north of the Katherine River and covers 67ha. Development started in 2010.
The Indigenous Land Council has provided $537,000 over two years for infrastructure development.
Kalano grew 150 tonnes of tomatoes in the 2013 season and in 2014 expanded into capsicums and sweet corn.
The territory is a tough place for farmers, with a long list of crops having failed and the region’s commercial banana industry virtually wiped out by Panama disease and banana freckle.
The Kalano Community Association has been operating for 39 years. It provides a range of services in Indigenous housing, health, education and employment and runs a store as well as the farm.
