A review is presented on the nutritional value, cultivation and
utilization potentials of some minor indigenous root and tuber crops found in
Nigeria, namely; Livingstone potato (Plectranthus esculentus N.E BR), Coleus
potato (Solenostemon rotundifolius (Poir) J.K. Morton), Arrowroot (Tacca
leontopetaloides) and amora (Curcuma longa). Nigeria has a large population
(over 150 million) and most people depend so much on root and tuber crops as
their major source of food and income. However, due to population explosion and
over dependence on some few edible crop species, there is the need to explore
and grow other root and tuber crops which are minor and under-utilized. This
paper examines the nutritional and utilization potentials of the minor
indigenous root and tuber crops as supplement to the major root and tuber crops
(Yam, cassava, sweet potato etc.) because of their high calorific content and
essential micronutrients. They also have great medicinal and industrial usage
as raw materials and have various socio-economic benefits as they can be used
as feed for livestock and are an important source of income for the rural
families. The crops are tolerant to poor soils and draught stress and hence
require low input in terms of cultivation. - See more at:
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