Cultivation of elephant foot yam (ol kochu) has increased in Bandarban district, a trend seen for several years. The district's soil suits the crop and it gives high yields at low cost, so new farmers are also being drawn to it. Although there are several types, a local improved variety is the most popular in Bandarban.

Elephant foot yam contains ample calories, fat, carbohydrates, protein, potassium and soluble fibre, along with vitamin B6, vitamin B1, riboflavin, folic acid, niacin and other nutrients. It also provides vitamin A and beta carotene, which help strengthen the body's immunity.

Prume Ching Marma, a temporary vegetable trader in the Marma Bazar area of Bandarban, said he set up his stall on market day with 50 kg of elephant foot yam along with other vegetables. By the morning he had sold about 40 kg at Tk 60 a kg.

Mongsingnu Marma, a grower in the Jamchhari area of Bandarban Sadar upazila, said he has grown the crop for several years. Last year he grew it on 40 decimals of land, and wholesalers bought it from his home at Tk 30–35 a kg. Because he got a good yield at low cost, he has planted 50 decimals this year.

Sunil Tanchangya of the Baghmara area said he grew the crop on 40 decimals last year. Because of the yield and good market prices, he has planted 80 decimals this year. Last year wholesalers bought it from his home at Tk 1,200 a maund.

Growing elephant foot yam costs little and needs little care, he said. A single yam weighs from 400 grams to 5 kg, which brings a good profit. Seeing him, many in the area have now started growing it.

Bandarban Sadar Upazila Agriculture Officer Md Omar Faruk said elephant foot yam is usually planted in Chaitra–Baishakh, but for an early crop and better prices, Magh–Falgun is the best time to plant. It can be grown in all kinds of soil, but sandy loam gives good yields.

Bandarban's hill soil is well suited to the local improved variety, so farmers are having good success with it. Last year the crop was grown on 6 hectares in the upazila, producing 7 tonnes per hectare.

Because farmers got good yields, it has been grown on 16 hectares this year, and a yield of 9 tonnes per hectare is expected.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.