Economics of the Sapogenin-Bearing Yam as a Crop Plant in Puerto Rico

Abstract

From experiments at the Federal Experiment Station, Mayagüez, data on costs in Puerto Rico, and other estimates an analysis of the costs of production and potential profits in the growing of Dioscorea were recorded and calculated. The analysis was divided into costs of producing plants, establishing a plantation, yearly maintenance, and harvest. Values and profits were calculated on the basis of species, yields, ages, and sapogenin contents. The chief suggestions to be made as a result of the study were: That initial costs would be heavy and almost prohibitive; that the greatest single expense would be the cost of staking; that profits would not be possible within less than 3 years of field growth; that profits would increase during the fourth year; that D. composila could be grown more profitably than D. floribunda; and that plantations established from tuber-pieces would be more profitable than plantations established from seed. Provided no serious pest or disease destroys the plantings, it is concluded that Dioscorea could compete favorably with certain presently existing crops in Puerto Rico.