Chapter 363: Million mu of Rubber Forest
The train, known as the Constantine, began its journey with a dramatic burst of steam and a deafening siren. It rapidly accelerated along the railway tracks from Dar es Salaam Railway Station, headed toward the first town railway station.
The technicians onboard explained to King Constantine that the locomotive could reach a maximum speed of fifty-seven kilometers per hour but would maintain a speed of forty kilometers per hour for stability and comfort during this journey.
Constantine noted the time on his watch and calculated, "So, we'll be back in the first town in an hour and a half?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," the technician confirmed.
Constantine's carriage was a luxurious creation ordered from Austria, on par with those used by other European monarchs. It featured elegant lamps throughout and boasted the latest coffee stove from the Hechingen Commodity Company, powered by electricity generated by a small internal combustion engine. Its opulence was such that Austrian craftsmen believed it was designed for the Habsburg royal family.
As the train sped across the East African plains, the rapidly changing scenery outside the window caught the attention of local farmers and residents. For many of them, this was their first time seeing a train, and the sight left them awestruck.
The introduction of the railway system in East Africa was transforming the region's image and status in the eyes of its residents. It challenged stereotypes and demonstrated that Africa could embrace modern technology and development.
In contrast, many immigrants from the Far East were less surprised since they had no prior knowledge of Africa. They knew little about the continent before coming here, often having only heard of neighboring countries like North Korea, Japan, Annan, and Siam. Africa was a faraway land known mostly to sailors, pirate businessmen, officials from the Far East, and those with extensive maritime experience.
Meanwhile, in Hessen Province and Mitumba Province, located between Lake Solon (Lake Tanganyika) and the Congo River, the East African Kingdom was embarking on a major agricultural endeavor. These provinces were rich in mineral resources, but due to their population size and limited transportation infrastructure, the exploitation of these resources remained a distant goal.
Recognizing the potential of the two provinces, Ernst decided to establish the largest rubber plantation in East Africa. Rubber trees thrived in the region's climate, particularly near the Mitumba Mountains, making it an ideal location for expansion.
Hessen Province, in particular, offered favorable conditions for rubber cultivation due to its lower terrain and proximity to the Congo Basin. Based on East Africa's accumulated experience in rubber planting, the two provinces had the potential to accommodate up to 2 million mu (approximately 333,333 hectares) of rubber plantations.
Ernst, however, set a more conservative target and planned to establish one million mu (approximately 166,667 hectares) of rubber plantations in the two provinces. With the surplus food production in East Africa, there was no need for the local population to engage in food cultivation alongside rubber planting.
The rubber market was vast, and Ernst was determined to plant more trees in preparation for the future demand. Rubber trees took several years to mature, and by planning ahead, East Africa could ensure a stable supply for the market, rather than having the market wait for the trees to grow.