What is the ideal time for planting cocoyam?
In Nigeria, planting dates for cocoyam vary from March/April to April/May. There are two main varieties, white and pink varieties. Plant on the crest of the heaps or ridges at 1m apart on row. A whole cormel or cut sett from corms is planted at about 15-20cm deep.
What is the planting material for cocoyam?
The planting material (sucker or headsett) is set in furrows or ridges and plant spacing can be anywhere between 30 to 100 cm (11.8–39.4 in) between plants depending on the prevailing soil and climatic conditions. A narrow spacing helps to control weeds whereas a wider spacing is preferred for good growth.
What causes itching in cocoyam?
This is because they contain high levels of oxalates which can cause itchy or irritating sensation in the throat when consumed raw. This is also the reason why cocoyam causes itchy skin in some individuals. Cooking and other processing methods like soaking in water for a long time destroys the oxalate.
How profitable is cocoyam farming?
The study found that for each hectare of cocoyam farm, the total cost of production and total revenue were $669 and $1426, respectively, with labour constituting 80% of the total variable cost. Farmers earned a net revenue of $757 per hectare. The study concluded that cocoyam production was profitable.
How do you take care of cocoyam?
Cocoyam grows well in warm and hot, humid areas, that have no frosts and mild winter. Cocoyam needs a long growing period to produce large tubers. Deep and frequent watering is required as dryness will cause a plants to stop growing.
How long does it take cocoyam to mature?
about eight months
Most cocoyam varieties mature in about eight months from planting. It has two main varieties-white and pink and can be planted on the crest of the heaps or ridges at one meter apart on row.
What are the disadvantages of cocoyam?
A major drawback to the food use of cocoyam is the presence of antinutrients, predominantly, oxalates in all of the plant parts (cormels, petioles and leaves) (Ramanatha et al., 2010; Sefa‐Dedeh & Agyir‐Sackey, 2004).
Is cocoyam a cash crop?
Cocoyam is a root tuber and it is also produced in large quantities in Nigeria. As a matter of fact, the country is the largest producer of cocoyam in the world presently accounting for almost 40 per cent of the world’s total output. This cash crop if properly looked into, will boost Nigeria’s economy tremendously.
Is cocoyam a climbing plant?
The coco yam is the edible starchy tuber of a climbing plant, widely distributed in tropical and subtropical countries.
How many types of cocoyam do we have?
5.1 Existing knowledge on cocoyam Currently, there are two commercially cultivated varieties (Acheampong et al., 2015) from the earlier reported 4–5 landraces in Ghana (Doku, 1966; Karikari, 1979), and three released but not yet commercially cultivated varieties (Acheampong et al., 2015).
Which is better yam or cocoyam?
“Cocoyam has better nutritional qualities than other root and tuber crops such as cassava and yam, with higher protein, vitamin and mineral content. A versatile staple, cocoyam can also be used as weaning food, while the leaves can be cooked as vegetable.
Can diabetic eat cocoyam?
Yes, Cocoyam is great for people with diabetes. According to studies, diabetics people fed with cocoyam showed a large reduction in their diabetic level. Cocoyam also reduces bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol.
What are the diseases of cocoyam?
Dry disease (a complex produced by fungi), Phytophthora leaf blight, dasheen mosaic virus, Pythium spp., Rhizoctonia spp., and Fusarium spp. root rot blight complex, Alomae/Bobone Virus Disease Complex, Cladosporium leaf spot. Cocoyam can be cooked, boiled, baked, steamed, mashed, or fried.
Can a diabetic patient eat cocoyam?
Is cocoyam good for the kidney?
Eating of raw cocoyam can lead to kidney stones and gout as well as other health complications if it is not prepared properly by boiling for the recommended amount of time. It can also be steeped in water overnight before cooking to further reduce the amount of oxalates.
Is Garri good for diabetics?
“Garri” is known to contain minute amounts of protein [26] with high carbohydrate and fiber constituents and hence diabetics have been advised not to consume it.
Can diabetic patient eat cocoyam?
Is cocoyam good for diabetes?
According to studies, diabetics people fed with cocoyam showed a large reduction in their diabetic level. Cocoyam also reduces bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol. Cocoyam has a low glycemic index and glycemic load, making it great for preventing and managing diabetes.