Impact of different agro-production systems on yield and quality of taro (Colocasia esculenta L.)

Abstract

Root and tuber crops are important food crops that are climate resilient. Taro is one of the most valuable food security crops that sustain many livelihoods in the tropics and subtropics. Global consciousness of food safety, health and environmental issues has stimulated interest in alternative agricultural systems like organic farming. Since information on organic agriculture of tuber crops is meagre, a field experiment was conducted over three years at the Department of Vegetable Crops, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. The aims were to evaluate the impact of organic, conventional and traditional production systems on yield, proximate composition and mineral content of tubers and soil physico-chemical and biological properties in taro (Colocasia esculenta). Organic farming (15.13 t ha-1) produced a significantly higher yield than conventional practice (13.11 t ha-1). A net profit of Rs. 149515.72 ha-1, 12% higher than chemical-based farming (Rs. 132462.67 ha-1) was obtained under organic management in taro. Tuber quality was improved with slightly higher dry matter, starch and crude protein contents. Thus organic farming was found to be an eco-friendly management strategy in taro for sustainable yield of quality tubers besides maintaining soil health. Technology involving farmyard manure, green manuring, neem cake, biofertilizers and ash was standardized.