Unraveling the potential of underutilised edible tubers (Dioscorea alata) toward achieving sustainable food security: a case study of 10 farmers in East Coast Malaysia

Rawaida Rusli, . and Erny Sabrina Mohd Noor, . (2024) Unraveling the potential of underutilised edible tubers (Dioscorea alata) toward achieving sustainable food security: a case study of 10 farmers in East Coast Malaysia. Economic and Technology Management Review, 23. pp. 85-96. ISSN 1823-8149

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Abstract

Nowadays, various of agriculture challenges occurred and tubers of Dioscorea alata are expected to play a vital role as crop diversification as an alternative to food security in Malaysia. Various of literatures had revealed its abundance of health benefit to be exploited as well as its resilience in harsh climate change and many others. Therefore, this study had been carried out to examine the potential of underutilised edible tubers, namely D. alata. This study employed qualitative technique through case study approach towards 10 selected farmers using snowball sampling in East Coast Malaysia and had been analysed using SWOT analysis. SWOT analysis had been chosen as an initial strategic planning for D. alata in East Coast Malaysia for identifying the strength, opportunities, for the high probability of the potential as well as weaknesses and threat for the rooms for improvement. It was found that, through SWOT analysis, D. alata recorded higher demand in East Coast Malaysia during monsoon season due to alternative to sweet potato. It recorded higher ex-farm price at range RM7 – RM10/kg and mostly sold along the roadside. For the agronomic practices, D. alata is compatible to all kind of fertilisers and well resistance to pesticides. However, the weed control practices need to improve. D. alata normally harvest almost in nine months and within this period, there are no local edible tubers D. alata sold. The source of D. alata is depends on imported from Thailand. Thailand had managed to produce the D. alata during off-season and able to supply to Malaysia regularly. Some of the villagers had used this imported D. alata to produce by-products. There is an opportunity for the research institution in Malaysia to take this initiative in breeding program to produce new D. alata with the shorter period of harvesting. On the marketing part, through observation, it is clearly seen that most of the D. alata is imported during off-season. In FAMA outlets, all D. alata are imported from Thailand, creating a potential if there is a regular supply of D. alata. As a conclusion, D. alata can be exploited to its fullest potential as an alternative to food security through crop diversification for the benefit of the future agriculture, the but further action needs to be taken for this underutilised edible tuber to be commercially grown by the farmers.

Item Type:	Article
Creators:	Rawaida Rusli, . and Erny Sabrina Mohd Noor, .
Title:	Unraveling the potential of underutilised edible tubers (Dioscorea alata) toward achieving sustainable food security: a case study of 10 farmers in East Coast Malaysia
Date:	2024
Location:	Economic and Technology Management Review website
Publication:	Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute
Volume:	23
Physical Description:	12p.
Agency Name:	Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
Date Deposited:	02 Oct 2025 02:49
Last Modified:	02 Oct 2025 02:49
URI:	http://myagric.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/23688

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