From roots to riches: The tuber diversity of Goa and Konkan

UNEARTHING DIVERSITY

Vasundhara Vidnyan Kendra, Nerur, in neighbouring Sindhudurg taluka, hosted a two-day Tuber Festival with the intention of generating awareness about the varied diversity of tuber crops.

WIDE VARIETY

The festival showcased a vibrant array of tubers, brought from Konkan and Goa as well as the ghat regions.

DIOSCOREA DELIGHT

Over 20 diverse varieties of Dioscorea alata of different shapes and sizes were displayed indicating it's richness.

GOA–KONKAN TUBER HERITAGE

Goa and Konkan’s rich tuber heritage which adds local, nutritional, medicinal and cultural value to the regions' cuisine was on display.

FROM SOIL TO PLATE

Locals prepare delicious dishes like shallow-fried snacks (kapa), khatkhate, curries, and vegetable stir-fries using the corms of Calocasia tubers (known as maadi).

TRADTIONS UNEARTHED

On display was Goa’s age-old tuber diversity which was highlighted by women who also shared insights into it's variety and nutrition.

TUBER BENEFITS

Visitors explored tubers' culinary and medicinal roles while discovering the vast biodiversity on display.

TRULY TRADITIONAL

Taro (alu), one of Goa’s earliest crops, is a festive favourite. During Nag Panchami, Chavoth, and other celebrations, its leaves, stems, and petioles are used to create cherished traditional dishes.

CROP DIVERSITY

The tuber festival featured Dioscorea alata, Dioscorea esculenta, Dioscorea rotunda, Ipomoea batatas, Calocasia esculenta, and Dioscorea bulbifera and other tubers.

ROOTS OF KNOWLEDGE

At the festival, presentations by botanists and researchers inspired and uplifted the morale of women and all participants.

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