The taluk has a total of 70 hectares of elephant foot yam farms. Many farmers grow the yam as an inter-crop in coconut farms. Loose soil, where water can be absorbed easily, is suitable for yam cultivation. Two major varieties in elephant foor yam are ‘Gajendra’ and ‘Santhragachi’. However, majority of farmers in the taluk grow the local variety.
About 5 - 6 tonnes of yam pieces required to grow the crop in one hectare. Meanwhile, it requires 50 tonnes of organic manure, 80 kilograms of nitrogen, 60 kilograms of phosphorus and 100 kilograms of potash to grow the yam in one hectare. The crop can be grown in Coastal, Malnad and Southern parts of the State in March-April period.
Method
After the land was tilled pits of 60x60x45 mm should be dug leaving 90 centimeter gap between each pits. Later, the pits should filled with organic manure and soil after placing the yam piece. The shoots will be visible from the planted piece within a month.
Manures should be used as per requirement and bordo mixture can be used to ward of diseases. Yam will be ready for harvest within 9 - 10 months. A total of about 40,000 - 50,000 kilograms of yam can be produced in one hectare. At present, the market price of elephant foot yam is Rs 25 - 30.