Introduction
Cocoyams are herbaceous perennial plants belonging to the family Araceae and are grown primarily for their edible roots, although all parts of the plant are edible. Cocoyam consists of Vitamin B1 which is also known as thiamine is a crucial vitamin for increasing focus, energy, fighting chronic stress, and perhaps preventing memory loss. Several researches have linked thiamine deficiency to problems learning and retaining information.
Uses
Cocoyam is a key ingredient in making:
- Flour
- Chips
Production, export, import and consumption in Nigeria
Production = 5,490,000 Import = Unavailable, Export = Unavailable. (Source: WITF (World Bank)
Consumption= 5,490,000
Growing Cocoyam
Cocoyam grows best in fertile, well-draining, sandy loam soil with a pH between 4.2–7.5. It can be grown in a wide variety of conditions including paddies in wetland areas using a system similar to that of rice.
Sowing and harvest period
Cocoyam thrives better on a well-drained loamy soil and can be planted immediately the rain is steady. It produces optimum yields when planted in fertile soil with a good water retention capacity. Most cocoyam varieties mature in about eight months from planting.
Main Producing States in Nigeria.
- Ebonyi
- Ondo
- Cross River
- Ekiti
- Enugu
Relevant Agencies in Nigeria.
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