Dragon Fruit - Papaya - Mangoes
Transformation in the heart of the Tugela Valley
In 2009 Reverend Stegen started a community upliftment project at Maqhogo (location link). The area was previously overgrazed by communal livestock, thorn shrub dominated the landscape, making it almost impenetrable with little or no value for grazing, and given the use, erosion was scaring the landscape.
Located alongside the life-giving Tugela River, hot climate and beautiful soils, Reverend Stegen rightfully recognised the potential of this land and with his supervision, the fertile soils were transformed, firstly into community vegetable gardens that could provide a source of healthy food for the community and even a small income.
Experimental trials were laid out to see which fruit crops were suited to this unique climate and specifically on this farm.
The trials include dates, pomegranates, papaya, lemons, granadillas, grapefruit, yellow dragon fruit, mangoes and litchis.
Community Gardens
Commercial growing of Papaya, Dragon Fruit and Mangoes
Harvesting Windows:
Papaya (all year round)
Dragon Fruit (Jan-April)
Mango (Jan-Mar)
Papaya
Currently we have 5 hectares of papaya - Tainung 2 cultivar - planted, with further expansion underway.
This crop does incredibly well in these climatic conditions with yields, quality and taste exceeding expectation.
Dragon Fruit
There are 7 hectares planted to dragon fruit - Vietnam White.
Dragon fruit plants flowering
Flowering Dragon fruit
Dragon Fruit ready to harvest
Packed Dragon Fruit
Mangoes
14 hectares of mango - Tommy Atkins and Kent cultivar.
Mango Orchards
Flowering Mango Tree
Mangoes ready to be harvested
I want to build a Mission to help you spiritually and physically.
I am glad when people are helped all over.
Reverend EH Stegen - December 2011
