Pheng Buntha et al., 2008. Livest. Res. Rural Dev., 20 (Suppl.): unpaginated

A survey was conducted in 2 provinces (Pursat and Takeo), representing 2 of the major agroecological zones in Cambodia. A total of 54 families from 6 villages were interviewed. Two taro cultivars, Chouk and Sla, are commonly cultivated and Trav Prey (wild taro) also grows naturally in Pursat and Takeo. Chouk and Sla taro are fast growing cultivars and can be harvested at 5-8 months after planting. Taro is considered to be a good vegetable crop and is planted near the houses in the 2 selected provinces in the late dry season and early rainy season, between April and July. The tubers are used for human consumption, while stems and leaves are not widely used for animal feeding. The main reasons for not using them are the itching they cause and lack of traditional knowledge. The average tuber yield is 4.5-6 t/ha, while the average yield of petioles and leaves is 5-8.5 t/ha. Farmers considered stems to be worst with regard to causing itching, followed by leaves and roots. However, the effect can be reduced by boiling, frying, ensiling and sun drying. Both salt and sugar palm syrup can be used for ensiling.