Cultivation of mountain yam can be alternative income source

• Cultivation of mountain yam vegetable crop can be an alternative source of income for farmers of the state, reveals a study conducted by Dr Tara Devi Sen, assistant professor of botany at Government College, Mandi.
• Mature tubers of mountain yam are sold at a price of Rs 250 to Rs 500 per kg because of its organic value.
• Mountain yam is commonly seen growing as a vine in miscellaneous forests and shrub jungles up to an altitude of 1,500 m.
• The tubers, bulbs, inflorescences and young leaves of mountain yam are eaten cooked. The tubers are usually eaten as a seasonal delicacy.
• A variety of traditional dishes like ‘bhale, ‘siddu’, ‘parantha’ and ‘kachouri’, etc can be prepared with the stuffing of tubers.

Medicinal value

• Mountain yam is extremely beneficial in treating high blood pressure, diabetes and heart problems.
• Its tubers are a good source of vitamins and minerals and help in boosting immunity.
• Tubers are useful in treating stomach pain, anaemia and rheumatic swellings.
• Tuber paste is applied on swelling of joints.
• The inflorescence of mountain yam is eaten to recover from weakness.