Importance of Selected Tuber Crops for Cultivation in Sri Lanka – A Systematic Review

Abstract

Food security is a major concern in today’s context which encompasses availability, affordability, and nutritional quality of food for the population. In Sri Lanka, around 55 traditional and indigenous yams and tuber crop species were identified, and they grow in almost everywhere in the country. Tubers are in a wider range of cultivars, and it is characterized by increased adoptability to different agroecological zones. Convenience propagation methods, wider adoptability, rich in carbohydrates, and less vulnerability to pests and diseases are vital features in promoting tuber crops to supplement main courses in human diet. This research attempt to review of nutritional and agricultural value of five selected tuber crop species as follows: Elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paenoiifolius), three Rajala species (Dioscorea alata, Dioscorea bulbifera, Dioscorea sativa), and Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea). Data was gathered from relevant textbooks and electronic databases include PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Journals following the PRISMA model. Traditional root and tuber crops are identified as a rich source of carbohydrates, energy, minerals, vitamins, pharmacological properties, bioactive compounds, and with relatively convenient in cultivation in a wider spectrum of agroecological zones. It is easy to cultivate, and they can grow even in unfavorable harsh climate conditions. It is required relatively less agricultural input and can gain more income and output. Inclusiveness of the selected crops into main meals would increase the diversity of the food intake and helps food security. Make aware of those yams among public is also beneficial as they have good amount of carbohydrate, fibers and many pharmacological properties which relieves diseases as well.