Why You Should Grow Arrow-roots

  • It is a low perpetual herbaceous plant with thick, plump and crawling roots and long white filaments and is a decent source of flour.
  • Arrow root flour has a high business esteem in the universal market since it is best ingredients in making amazing biscuits and cookies.
  • Can grow anywhere if there is moisture in the soil
  • It is not influenced by many diseases or pests
  • Little agronomic practices

Varieties of arrow roots

  • Tissue culture variety
  • Cuenca strain
  • Indigenous Variety
  • San Pablo

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Basic Requirements for Arrow root farming

  • Arrow root thrives anywhere provided there is enough moisture in the soil for its normal
    growth and development.
  • It grows best in places where rainfall is uniformly distributed throughout the year.
  • The rhizomes are resistant to inclement weather and can stay long in the soil.
  • They germinate in the same area where they have been planted.

Soil Requirements for arrow root farming

  • Arrow root requires a friable, well drained loamy soil. However, soil at the foot of the
    hills, in valley and newly opened areas are preferable.
  • Clayey soil must be avoided since it induces poor rhizome development and usually cause
    the deformation of the rhizome which tends to break during harvesting.
  • It is advisable to plant this crop in an open field provided there is sufficient moisture
    throughout its growing period. Planting in partially shaded areas can also be done but
    with reduce yield.

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Land Preparation and planting

  • Prepare the land by plowing and harrowing two or three times depending upon the soil
    Plow deep enough to provide favorable condition for better root development.
  • Arrowroot can be propagated by suckers and rootstock or rhizomes with two or more
    nodes each.
  • Two suckers may be planted to a hill at a distance of 1.0 x 0.75 meters. Under poor soil
    condition, the hills should set closer about 0.75 x0.30 meters apart.

Irrigation and fertilization of arrowroots

  • No irrigation needed provided there is enough moisture in the soil especially at the early
    stage of growth.
  • The crop responds well to fertilization.
  • Compost or commercial fertilizer can be applied tothe plant.
  • An application of 300 to 400 kg of 14-14-14 per hectare is recommended.

Weeding and Cultivation of arrowroots

  • Simultaneous weeding and cultivation must be done during the first three to four months,
    depending upon the weed population in the field.
  • Alternate hilling-up and off-barring must be employed until the plants are bid enough
    tocover spaces between rows.

Harvesting of arrow roots

  • The crop is ready for harvest 8 to 10 months after planting.
  • Produces higher yield when harvested in eleven to twelve months, with higher content of
    starch content (25%).
  • Like any other root crops, it is harvested by passing a plow close to the furrows, exposing
    the tuberous roots, then cut-off the stem.
  • Harvesting with the use of a fork may also be done on by pulling up the whole plant in
    case of sandy loam soil.

Uses of Arrow Roots

  • The rhizomes of arrowroot, comprise of an effortlessly processed starch when extracted is a source of a dry white powder. This powder is a source of one of the purest type of natural carbohydrates.
  • Superior quality starch is utilized as a part of making a top of the line scones, baked goods, pudding and cakes.
  • Its flour being exceedingly digestible and ready to prevent curdling is utilized for the most part for invalid’s also, baby's milk.
  • It is additionally an amazing element for thickening ice-cream.
  • The rhizomes are great rice substitute or extender. The tuberous root can be eaten when boiled or roasted before they become fibrous, and taste similar if not better than corn.
  • Arrowroot is additionally a successful substitute for cornin broiler ration.
  • Other plant parts are superb roughage and silage for animals.
  • The fibrous materials remain after the extraction of starch can likewise used as dairy cattle feed.
  • Arrowroot starch also has demulcent properties and in some cases utilized as a part of the treatment of ailments of the intestine.
  • Powdered rhizomes might be utilized as poultice for wound and ulcers.
  • Plant leaves are infrequently utilized as packing materials, while the pulp is utilized as a part of paper fabrication, cardboard, cushions and wallboard.

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