Horticulture in Central Australia

Central Australia offers a unique combination of sunshine, low humidity, cool winter temperatures and freedom from most pests and diseases. These conditions are ideal for many crops.

Extensive commercial production already exists for a wide variety of crops including table grapes, dates, melons, mangoes, figs, olives, bush foods (from Australia’s native plants) and vegetables. Fodder is also grown to support the local cattle industry.

Research by the Northern Territory Government and its partners has identified the potential for production of a diverse range of other crops including - stone fruit, nuts, temperate and subtropical fruits and ornamental flowers.

Find out more about the Western Davenport region.

Adoption of climate smart agricultural practices through soil improvement in Northern Territory

The aim in the project is to increase adoption of climate smart agricultural practices that build climate resilience through soil improvement in the Northern Territory (NT). The department has undertaken following activities under the project: an awareness and capacity building workshop on on-farm practices to build climate resilience; establishment of two demonstration sites in irrigated production systems in Central Arid region of NT to showcase the benefits of increased soil organic matter on soil fertility, water use and productivity; organisation of two field days to provide first-hand information to interested growers in the region on compost and its role in soil improvement; and, provision of material incentives (compost) to two farms in central arid region of NT to promote climate smart agricultural practices.

As part of the project, the department supplied compost to two demonstration farms in the Central Arid region of the Territory.

This project is funded by the Northern Hub with the department and NT Farmers both playing roles in supporting the roll out across Central Australia and the Top End.

Further information

Ali Curung CSA project YouTube channel

Ti Tree CSA project YouTube channel

Contact

girija.page@nt.gov.au