GROSS returns of more than $70,000 per hectare have encouraged a significant expansion in taro production in North Queensland during the past five years.
Increasing demand from southern markets has complimented the hike in production, pushing taro prices from $2-$3/kg to $3.50-$5/kg in recent months.
Research being undertaken at the Central Queensland University is also revealing export potential for Queensland-grown taro, with a 60-tonne shipment heading for Japan later this year.
The influx of new growers and crops, particularly in North Queensland, prompted the formation of an industry body- Taro Growers Australia only last year and its membership base has quickly grown beyond 50.
TGA president Philippe Petiniaud says the fledgling industry has a bright future in the north, with the taro plant having an affinity for the Wet Tropics climate.
"Taro has been identified by a number of government bodies as a future important crop for North Queensland," Mr Petiniaud said
"It's an attractive food that has many uses. Taro chips, in particular, are a popular product.
"Our job now is to increase taro awareness among consumers and to tap into research and development to get the agronomics of the crop more precise.
"More and more people are growing taro as a secondary crop and that's good for the industry because it helps to raise awareness."
Mr Petiniaud believes taro production in North Queensland will increase five-fold in coming years, despite competition from taro exporters including Fiji.
Each year, Australia imports around 1500 tonnes of Fijian taro, which sells for $2 to $2.50/kg.
"We don't have a problem with cheaper imports because the quality of our taros makes them sought after in the market."
Mr Petiniaud said a lack of communication between growers had hampered efforts to develop a sustainable industry in the past.
"It's extremely rewarding for growers of a new crop to get information from other growers and this has been the initial focus of TGA," he said.
"In the future, we will be looking at concerted effort for marketing and promotions and setting up quality standards for taro."
He said the standards, which will not be mandatory for TGA members, relate to grading, washing and packing.
"The standards will not be enforced on growers, rather they will be encouraged to comply to receive better prices."
"I have already implemented some standards myself and the feedback from agents is very positive."
Mr Petiniaud produces around 50 tonnes of taro annually from a two-hectare plantation at his Mangala Creek Organic Farm near Babinda.
Taros can be grown all year round in North Queensland, with planting to harvest maturity taking eight to 10 months.
Described as the potato of the humid tropics, the taro crop is grown principally for the corm, although the leaves and stalk can also be eaten.
Because taro plants rarely flower and never set seed, vegetative propagation is performed via tissue culture, replanting portions of the corm.
Mr Petiniaud said there were least three varieties grown commercially in North Queensland- the bunlong or purple taro, the Niue taro and a smaller Japanese cultivar.
He said the bunlong was a soft cooking type desired in Asian cooking while the Niue was favoured among people of Pacific and Torres Strait origin.
"Yields depend on plant density and this varies from 5000 plants to 10,000 plants per acre," he said.
He said the Mangala Creek Organic Farm uses a high density planting regime that returns average yields of 25 tonnes per hectare.
"We are organic growers so our yields are often smaller than conventional crops."
Mr Petiniaud uses compost and humus to provide crop nutrients and said taro presently had few pests and diseases in Queensland.
While taro is tolerant of the Wet Tropics' excessive rainfall, Mr Petiniaud said supplementary irrigation was essential to maintain optimum yields.
"Water is absolutely critical because the taro plant does stress easily when it's dry.
"Generally, it's not an easy crop to grow. Also, it needs a rich soil and is labour intensive to harvest."
Currently, most taro crops in the north are harvested by hand, however the South Johnstone DPI research station is working on developing a harvester.
While the crops' high labour component does impede taro's export potential, a Central Queensland University research team has brokered a Japanese market for Queensland-grown taro.
Led by Professor David Midmore, the team has sent two trial shipments to Japan and is organising a 60-tonne consignment this year using taros grown in northern NSW and Central Queensland.
Prof Midmore said the four-year project has the aim of establishing a supply chain for the export of taro, yams and sweet potato to Japan.
"Our focus is on the smaller corm variety that suits the Japanese market," he said.
"We have also developed close relationships with importers.
"Taro has shown great potential in our Central Queensland trials, with excellent quality and yields of 20 tonnes per hectare.
"More research on the small corm variety needs to be done in North Queensland, however its agronomy does suit the climate."
Mr Midmore said the project would entail crop research in North Queensland and the Northern Territory to extend the harvest season for the small corm variety.
* For more information on taro, contact the TGA on (07) 4067 2078.
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