Root and tuber crops in the Caribbean

The importance and production of root crops in 17 Caribbean countries are analyzed. Statistical data on the production and per capita production of the following root crops are given: yam, cassava, sweet potato, taro, cocoyam, and potato. Cassava is the major root crop grown (734,000 t in 1982-83), followed by sweet potato (551,000 t). Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Haiti are the largest cassava growing countries, and Cuba, Grenada, Haiti, and St. Vincent have the largest per capita production. Constraints to research, training, production, and utilization for each crop are discussed. Finally, the importance of a regional research network on root crops is stressed, its objectives are indicated, and possible project activities are listed. (CIAT)Se analizan la importancia y produccion de los cultivos de raices en 17 paises caribenos. Se presentan datos estadisticos de produccion y produccion per capita para los principales cultivos: name, yuca, batata, malangay, ocumo y papa. La yuca es el cultivo de mayor produccion (734,000 t en 1982-83), seguido de la batata (551,000 t). Cuba, Republica Dominicana y Haiti son los mayores paises productores de yuca y Cuba, Granada, Haiti y San Vicente presentan los mayores valores de produccion per capita. Se discuten las limitaciones de la investigacion, capacitacion, produccion y utilizacion de cada cultivo. Finalmente, se resalta la importancia de una red regional de investigacion sobre cultivos de raices tropicales, se indican sus objetivos y se presentan los proyectos de actividad propuestos para la misma. (CIAT