Taro (cocoyam)

About the crop: This crop is perennial, which means once you plant it, the same plant can keep producing for many years. You can normally start harvesting about 180-300 days after planting, depending on care and variety.

Main use: Farmers mostly grow this crop for root/tuber; leaves vegetable.

Pollination: This crop is mainly pollinated by insect. Keeping flowers healthy and having insects like bees in the field helps improve fruit set and yields.

Where it grows: Wet tropics It is grouped under: Roots & Tubers.

Best climate: This crop does well in warm areas where the temperature is usually between 21 and 28 degrees Celsius. It prefers places that receive around 1500 to 2500 millimetres of rain in a year. It can grow from near sea level up to about 2000 metres above sea level.

Soil: The crop grows best in slightly acidic to near neutral soils, with a pH of about 5.8 to 6.5. It does well in deep loam; can tolerate wetter soils. Good drainage is important, so avoid waterlogged spots.

Plant spacing: Plant in rows about 100 centimetres apart, and leave about 75 centimetres between plants in the row. This gives each plant enough space for roots and canopy to spread.

Planting depth: Dig planting holes or furrows about 8 centimetres deep so the roots sit firmly in the soil but are not buried too deep.

Seed or planting material: Use around 1000 kilograms of seed or planting material per hectare. Spread or plant evenly so the field has a good stand without being overcrowded.