223 



The financial basis of the Potato Starch industry. 

 Output of Starch in Germany 

 Year. Tons Starch 'I otnl. Sold to Great Britain. 



The very high price for 189 1 was due to the disastrous season 

 and the low return of tubers. 



Dr. Saare has carefully estimated the value of potatoes to a 

 factory growing its own crop under varying conditions : with a 

 high-grade of potato containing 1 8 per cent, of starch and com- 

 mercial starch selling at £8 15s. Od., the net value of the tubers to 

 the factory is about 20/ per ton with good manufacture and 18/ per 

 ton with moderate efficiency and a sale for the pulp either wet or 

 dry. It would therefore appear that, apart from the intrinsic 

 superiority of cassava starch, and in direct competition with the 

 cheap German article produced at the very margin oi agricultural 

 profit, an efficient starch factory in Jamaica should net a return 

 equal to £2 per ton of tubers delivered at the factory. With good 

 land, economically managed, this should bring a profit of £8 per 

 acre on the area under cassava. 



Dr. Saare estimates the cost of a starch factory as follows : 



12-25 tons Potatoes per diem. 



Internal fittings and appliances £l,000 to £l,750 



Buildings ... 600 to 1,000 



Total cost £1,600 to £2,750 



40 to 50 tons Potatoes per diem. 



Interna] fittings and appliances £3,000 to £4,000 



Buildings ... 2,000 to 3,000 



Total cost £5,000 to £7,000 



