Industry: Water Chestnuts
Gross value of production |
$0.03m |
Number of growers |
5 |
Number employed |
1 |
Current annual production |
6 tonnes |
1. Description of Product:
Water chestnuts for fresh vegetable markets.
2. Location of the Industry:
There are a number of growers in the region located at Yackandandah, Wangaratta, Glenrowan, Talgarno, Corowa and possibly one at Porepunkah.
3. Employment and Labour Requirements
a. Number of Producers
5 in region (Total acreage: 2.5 acres)
b. Number Regularly Employed
To maintain a 1/ 3 acre production one person is required for 2-3 hours per week.
c. Harvest Requirements:
Harvest requirements depend on whether machine harvesting available. At this stage family members assist in harvesting and packaging. Difficult to determine exact requirements.
4. Annual Production :
Estimated that yields of 5 tonne/acre will be achieved in the short term. Conservatively estimate production this year (June-July harvest) to be 6 tonnes.
5. Value of Product:
Farm gate prices of $5/kg (organic product) are reasonable. This could be increased by improved marketing. On basis of production of 6 tonnes the value of the industry is $30,000.
6. Production Trends Over the Next Five Years:
a. Projected:
This is a growing industry but until growers established, harvesting issues addressed, and marketing strategies consolidated the outlook is uncertain.
Extracted from the Bright Report
