Like in Hawaii and many other Pacific islands, the taro, locally known as esculenta, plays an important role in the life of the CNMI’s indigenous people because of its legendary connection with their ancestors.
Asap Ogumoro, one of the local farmers who participates in Northern Marianas College-Cooperative Research Extension and Education Services’ taro exploration project, does not grow the crop for profit only.
His taro corms are among the products that are always sold out at the Sabalu Farmers Market in Susupe, but Ogumoro also feels good about keeping local culture alive.
Taro was a regular part of the diet of the ancient Chamorros and Carolinians. It was also a well-regarded crop because it was believed to posses the spirits of their ancestors.
Ogumoro said taro probably grew in abundance in areas where the ancient inhabitants of the NMI buried their loved ones.
“The fact that the remains of their parents and great-grandparents became the fertilizer where there was an abundance of taro must have contributed to that belief,” he said.
Taro remains among the most favorite crops of the islands’ indigenous people.
Unfortunately, not a lot of people in the commonwealth are growing taro.
But Ogumoro said he and other local farmers are now trying to promote taro farming.
According to NMC-CREES, taro farming in the NMI faces some serious constraints. Aside from soil-borne diseases and pests, the islands also have limited genetic diversity and quality planting materials.
Two years ago, NMC-CREES introduced many varieties of taro. Some of them were from the Philippines, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.
NMC-CREES also came up with a tissue culture program for the production of disease-free and quality propagating materials.
After on-farm trials, selected lines were propagated and distributed to local farmers, one of whom was Ogumoro.
He said of the varieties introduced, the most viable was the PNG variety, which he has planted in Kagman.
But Ogumoro also grows three varieties of the native taro.
He also tries to acquaint himself with the different cultural ways of growing and consuming taro.
He observes that taro has a huge market in the islands because tourists and guest workers also like it.
At the Sabalu market, almost every stall sells taro, he said.
Good drainage
The two major types of taro in the NMI, Colocasia and Xanthosoma, can grow in almost any type of soil provided the area has good drainage and has good organic matter content. Taro grows best if planted in a hole between 8” and 10” deep. Commercially produced taro plantations are grown in full sunlight. Taro does not perform well if planted in sandy soil.
Taro cannot compete with weeds and grasses, especially during the early months of its growth. Therefore, careful weeding is needed until the taro plants can shade the ground. Deep cultivation around taro planted on dry land must be avoided so as not to injure the surface roots.
Types of taro
• Colocasia — Several varieties exist in the NMI. The most common one is called the red taro, which is distinguished by its purple stalks. The corm, or root, is purple when cooked. Other varieties have green or reddish/pinkish stalks and the corm when cooked is white.
• Xanthosoma — known locally as Honolulu taro.
The leaves of the taro can also be cooked and eaten.
Taro can be grown throughout the years in the CNMI. It is well adapted to the islands’ warm and moist climate.
Irrigation, however, is needed during dry season.
Taro grows best in deep, well drained friable loam with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
After tilling the plot, add fertilizer: one half cup per plant, while planting the seedlings.
After one month, apply another half cup per plant.
Taro can be planted on ridges, in furrows or on flat ground. It can also be planted in a no-till environment.
Plant seedlings 18 to24 inches in rows. Weeds have to be controlled in the first three to four months of grown cycle. After seven to nine months, depending on the variety, the taro is ready to be harvested.
For more information, call NMC-CREES at 234 3690.
