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Exotic crop needs little water
15 May 2008
Farmers struggling with dry conditions could consider alternative crops such as jojoba. Jojoba nuts produce a form of liquid wax that is prized by beauticians and masseurs. The trees need almost no water and live for between 200 and 300 years. Originally beneficiaries of favourable tax schemes with absentee owners, the 22 jojoba plantations around Australia are now managed by owner-growers. The bushes are salt-resistant, drought resistant, have no serious pests or diseases, and thrive in marginal growing conditions. A jojoba bush takes 11 years to reach full production but, with a tonne of jojoba oil fetching $20,000, it can be worth the wait.
The Australian Financial Review, 15/5/2008
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