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74-589: Nadroga/Navosa's principal town is Sigatoka , situated near the mouth of the Sigatoka River. Nadroga is famous for its sunshine and white sandy beaches. Navosa remains wild, with the region significantly less developed than Nadroga. However, it is an area of rushing rivers, deep ravines and rugged mountains. The province of Nadroga-Navosa encompasses contrasting landscapes: the rugged and mountainous northern edges towards Viti Levu's interior, sand dunes and floodplains, to rolling hills of its hinterland, roamed by

148-698: A coalition of the Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL) and the National Federation Party (NFP). The new council re-elected Ratu Isikeli Tasere as Mayor , a position held for a one-year term, renewable any number of times. In 2009, the Military -backed interim government dismissed all municipal governments throughout Fiji and appointed special administrators to run the urban areas. As of 2015, elected municipal government has not been restored. The special administrator of Sigatoka

222-545: A clamp-down by the army. Nadroga-Navosa has one of the largest provincial economies in Fiji. Nicknamed the Coral Coast, Nadroga contains a high concentration of hotels and resorts outside of Nadi . Recently, there has been major growth in international residential developments. Tourism accounts for a large number of employees and provincial development. Nadroga is regarded and nicknamed the 'Salad Bowl of Fiji', specifically

296-402: A constant flow of water. About 300 varieties of kalo were originally brought to Hawaiʻi (about 100 remain). The kalo plant takes seven months to grow until harvest, so lo`i fields are used in rotation and the soil can be replenished while the loʻi in use has sufficient water. Stems are typically replanted in the lo`i for future harvests. One mythological version of Hawaiian ancestry cites

370-419: A decline in sugar production. Cattle (beef) farming used to be a major economic activity led by the government-supported Yalavou Cattle Scheme, however, this has also declined in recent years. Nadroga has produced some of modern Fiji's most recognized names in the fields of government, science, religion and sports. Some of the best known sons and daughters of Nadroga include: Nadroga is a famous sporting hub of

444-628: A few. The international headquarters of Pacific Green Industries (Fiji) Limited is located in Sigatoka. Taro Taro ( / ˈ t ɑːr oʊ , ˈ t ær -/ ; Colocasia esculenta ) is a root vegetable . It is the most widely cultivated species of several plants in the family Araceae that are used as vegetables for their corms , leaves, stems and petioles . Taro corms are a food staple in African , Oceanic , East Asian , Southeast Asian and South Asian cultures (similar to yams ). Taro

518-557: A large number of employees and provincial development. Nadroga is also regarded and nicknamed the 'Salad Bowl of Fiji', specifically the Sigatoka Valley, which produces a high volume of the nation's fruits, spices and vegetables, both for local consumption and export. Dalo (or Taro), often the domain of Eastern Fiji, is not so widely produced in Nadroga, however, cassava (tapioca) is produced for consumption and export. The province

592-478: A rich combination of geomorphological, ecological, cultural and aesthetical attributes. The national park is of great importance for educational and recreational use and is a milestone in Fiji's drive for environment. The Sigatoka valley is known as the salad bowl of Fiji. Other sites of great historical value are the 'Tavuni Hillfort' site (an ancient Tongan fortified settlement in the Sigatoka Valley) and

666-641: A single, very variable species, the correct name for which is Colocasia esculenta . The specific epithet , esculenta , means "edible" in Latin. Colocasia esculenta is thought to be native to Southern India and Southeast Asia , but is widely naturalised . Colocasia is thought to have originated in the Indomalayan realm , perhaps in East India , Nepal , and Bangladesh . It spread by cultivation eastward into Southeast Asia, East Asia and

740-457: A staple of the Fijian diet for centuries, and its cultural importance is celebrated on Taro Day . Its growth as an export crop began in 1993 when taro leaf blight devastated the taro industry in neighboring Samoa . Fiji filled the void and was soon supplying taro internationally. Almost 80% of Fiji's exported taro comes from the island of Taveuni where the taro beetle species Papuana uninodis

814-543: Is Aisea Tudiraki . The Town Council CEO is Anand Sami Pillay . From 1912 to 1923, banana plantations in the Sigatoka Valley suffered severe episodes of a fungal infection known as the Yellow Sigatoka disease. The Black sigatoka , an even more ravaging plant disease, is related. The Sigatoka Valley is known for its high production of vegetables, and thus referred to as Fiji's "Salad Bowl". Sigatoka

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888-713: Is 64% water, 35% carbohydrates , and contains negligible protein and fat (table). In a reference amount of 100 grams (3.5 oz), taro supplies 142 calories of food energy , and is a rich source (20% or more of the Daily Value , DV) of vitamin B6 (25% DV), vitamin E (20% DV), and manganese (21% DV), while phosphorus and potassium are in moderate amounts (10–11% DV) (table). Raw taro leaves are 86% water, 7% carbohydrates, 5% protein, and 1% fat (table). The leaves are nutrient-rich, containing substantial amounts of vitamins and minerals , especially vitamin K at 103% of

962-602: Is absent. The Fijian taro industry on the main islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu faces constant damage from the beetles. The Fiji Ministry of Agriculture and the Land Resources Division of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) are researching pest control and instigating quarantine restrictions to prevent the spread of the pest. Taveuni now exports pest-damage-free crops. Kalo

1036-639: Is also home to the Current Waikato Chiefs Rugby & New Zealand Allblacks rugby player Pita Gus Sowakula. Nadroga-Navosa province has produced Fiji boxing champions like Mitieli Navuilawa, Paula Kavika, Niko Degei, Mosese Kavika, Sakeasi Dakua, Luke Sisiwa, Iliavi Bose, Jone Mataitini, Ilatia Vaka, and Saiyad Hussein. In football, they have been national champions on three occasions. In athletics, Nadroga/Navosa has produced outstanding athletes like Napolioni Kurucibi, Mereoni Vibose , Temesia Kaumaiya and paralympic athlete Iliesa Delana —

1110-488: Is also known for many education institutes. It has a number of primary and secondary schools. It has the St Joan of Arc Primary School, Nadroga Sangam School, Sigatoka Methodist Primary School and Sigatoka Methodist Secondary (High) School, Cuvu college, St Teresa of Lisiuex primary and Lisiuex college (formerly known as Bemana Catholic Primary and Secondary School), Nadroga-Navosa High School and Andhra High School. Majority of

1184-620: Is also the traditional paramount chief of the province. Ratu Sakiusa is one of Fiji's hereditary chiefs, who exert a lot of political clout over the native Fijian population and take active part in national affairs. The province normally has three representatives in the Fiji Parliament. Nadroga-Navosa includes the districts of Cuvu, Nasigatoka, Tuva, Malomalo, Wai, Malolo, Naqalimare, Namataku, Noikoro, Conua, Raviravi, Nokonoko, Waicoba, Mavua, Bemana, Navatusila, Koroinasau, Komave, Korolevu I Wai, Nasikawa, Nadrau, and Vatulele. The population

1258-644: Is believed that they were domesticated independently multiple times, with authors giving possible locations as New Guinea , Mainland Southeast Asia , and northeastern India , based largely on the assumed native range of the wild plants. However, more recent studies have pointed out that wild taro may have a much larger native distribution than previously believed, and wild breeding types may also likely be indigenous to other parts of Island Southeast Asia. Archaeological traces of taro exploitation have been recovered from numerous sites, though whether these were cultivated or wild types can not be ascertained. They include

1332-1233: Is believed to be one of the earliest cultivated plants. The English term taro was borrowed from the Māori language when Captain Cook first observed Colocasia plantations in New Zealand in 1769. The form taro or talo is widespread among Polynesian languages : taro in Tahitian ; talo in Samoan and Tongan ; kalo in Hawaiian ; taʻo in Marquesan . All these forms originate from Proto-Polynesian * talo , which itself descended from Proto-Oceanic * talos (cf. dalo in Fijian ) and Proto-Austronesian * tales (cf. taleus in Sundanese & tales in Javanese ). However, irregularity in sound correspondences among

1406-585: Is called malanga . In the Philippines , the whole plant is usually referred to as gabi , while the corm is called taro . Taro is very popular flavor for milk tea in the country, and just as popular ingredient in several Filipino savory dishes such as sinigang . Other names include idumbe in the KwaZulu-Natal region, and boina in the Wolaita language of Ethiopia. In Tanzania , it

1480-588: Is called magimbi in the Swahili language . It is also called eddo in Liberia . Colocasia esculenta is a perennial , tropical plant primarily grown as a root vegetable for its edible, starchy corm . The plant has rhizomes of different shapes and sizes. Leaves are up to 40 by 25 centimetres ( 15 + 1 ⁄ 2 by 10 inches) and sprout from the rhizome. They are dark green above and light green beneath. They are triangular-ovate, sub-rounded and mucronate at

1554-476: Is dispersed between the coastal and hinterlands, although major economic activity is focused more toward the coast where tourism and sugar are important sources of income. There was an attempt in 2015 to create a "Christian state" in Nadroga-Navosa. This was described by the then Chief of Police, Ben Groenewald, as a harmless cult, but the prime minister Frank Bainimarama took a sterner view and ordered

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1628-486: Is famous for the annual Bilibili Race, a festive sporting event involving employees of the province's hotels and resorts, located along the Coral Coast. Apart from the tug-of-war, sack race and other competitions, the highlight of the event is the famous "bilibili" (bamboo raft) race along the Sigatoka River. The Nadroga rugby team is the most successful and greatest provincial rugby team in Fiji rugby history. As of July 22, 2017, they have retained Fiji rugby's premier trophy,

1702-561: Is home to the champion Nadroga Rugby Union team who have won a number of locally sponsored rugby union competitions (no exact figure) and the Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy eighty-one times. Sigatoka is now commonly dubbed as "Rugby Town" due to the provincial rugby team's influence on the Fiji national rugby scene. The town is also home to the Nadroga Soccer Association. Despite all the past glory,

1776-699: Is locally known as gölevez and mainly grown on the Mediterranean coast, such as the Alanya district of Antalya Province and the Anamur district of Mersin Province . In Macaronesia this plant has become naturalized, probably as a result of the Portuguese discoveries and is frequently used in the macaronesian diet as an important carbohydrate source . In the southeastern United States , this plant

1850-406: Is not allowed when a bowl of poi is "open". It is also disrespectful to fight in front of an elder and one should not raise their voice, speak angrily, or make rude comments or gestures. A loʻi is a patch of wetland dedicated to growing kalo . Hawaiians have traditionally used irrigation to produce kalo. Wetland fields often produce more kalo per acre than dry fields. Wetland-grown kalo need

1924-450: Is one cause driving down harvests from the 1948 high of 14.1 million pounds (6,400 t), but more recently, the decline has resulted from pests and diseases. A non-native apple snail ( Pomacea canaliculata ) is a major culprit along with a plant rot disease traced to a species of fungus in the genus Phytophthora that now damages kalo crops throughout Hawaii. Although pesticides could control both problems to some extent, pesticide use in

1998-486: Is one of Fiji's sugar producing areas, however the number of farms and production have declined in the past 10 years as farmers seek to diversify their crops and move to more lucrative crop options.[4] Expiring native land leases have also contributed to a decline in sugar production. Cattle (beef) farming used to be a major economic activity led by the government-supported Yalavou Cattle Scheme, however this has also declined in recent years. Sigatoka's economy has benefited from

2072-580: Is recognized as an invasive species . Many populations can be commonly found growing near drain ditches and bayous in Houston , Texas. Taro is one of the most ancient cultivated crops. Taro is found widely in tropical and subtropical regions of South Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Papua New Guinea, and northern Australia and in Maldives. Taro is highly polymorphic , making taxonomy and distinction between wild and cultivated types difficult. It

2146-420: Is still primarily state-funded and most people in Sigatoka and Nadroga/Navosa province access public health and medical services which are largely free or with minimal fees. Sigatoka Town has one local hospital (Sigatoka Sub-Divisional Hospital) and there are health centres located in various districts in the province of Nadroga/Navosa. There is a limited number of private medical and dental practitioners located in

2220-458: Is supplied by rainfall or supplemental irrigation. Taro is one of the few crops (along with rice and lotus ) that can be grown under flooded conditions. Flooded cultivation has some advantages over dry-land cultivation: higher yields (about double), out-of-season production (which may result in higher prices), and weed control (which flooding facilitates). Like most root crops , taro and eddoes do well in deep, moist or even swampy soils where

2294-476: Is taro's Hawaiian name. The local crop plays an important role in Hawaiian culture and mythology . Taro is a traditional staple of the native cuisine of Hawaii . Some of the uses for taro include poi , table taro (steamed and served like a potato), taro chips, and lūʻau leaf (to make laulau ). In Hawaii, kalo is farmed under either dryland or wetland conditions. Taro farming there is challenging because of

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2368-413: Is used; for instance, corms with 5 to 10 centimeters of petiole remaining are exported from Fiji to New Zealand in wooden boxes. They are then transported via refrigerated container, chilled to around 5° Celsius. The corms can be maintained for up to six weeks in good condition; most good-quality corms may even be replanted and grown by the consumer, thanks to the species’ prolific nature and hardiness. In

2442-641: The Caribbean and West Indies , taro is known as dasheen in Trinidad and Tobago , Saint Lucia , Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Jamaica . The leaves are known as aruiya ke bhaji by Indo-Trinidadian and Tobagonians . In Portuguese , it is known simply as taro , as well as inhame , inhame-coco , taioba , taiova , taioba-de-são-tomé or matabala ; in Spanish , it

2516-598: The Cook Islands and surpasses all other crops in terms of land area devoted to production. The prominence of the crop there has led it to be a staple of the population's diet. Taro is grown across the country, but the method of cultivation depends on the nature of the island it is grown on. Taro also plays an important role in the country's export trade. The root is eaten boiled, as is standard across Polynesia . Taro leaves are also eaten, cooked with coconut milk, onion, and meat or fish. Taro ( dalo in Fijian ) has been

2590-578: The Kula Eco Park , with some 500 birds of 100 species from many tropical countries. The town is also the principal centre for Fiji's coastal tourism belt—the Coral Coast —which has many of the country's leading hotels and resorts. Sigatoka has a long history of settlement dating to 1000 BCE, when indigenous tribal chiefs occupied the area. In the period of contact, European settlers explored Sigatoka when they made it as part of Colonial Fiji . In

2664-554: The Niah Caves of Borneo around 10,000 years ago, Ille Cave of Palawan , dated to at least 11,000 year ago; Kuk Swamp of New Guinea , dated to between 8250 BC and 7960 BC; and Kilu Cave in the Solomon Islands dated to around 28,000 to 20,000 years ago. In the case of Kuk Swamp, there is evidence of formalized agriculture emerging by about 10,000 years ago, with evidence of cultivated plots, though which plant

2738-558: The Pacific Islands ; westward to Egypt and the eastern Mediterranean Basin ; and then southward and westward from there into East Africa and West Africa , where it spread to the Caribbean and Americas . Taro was probably first native to the lowland wetlands of Malaysia , where it is called taloes . In Australia, C. esculenta var. aquatilis is thought to be native to the Kimberley region of Western Australia ;

2812-486: The Roman Empire . Today it is known as kolokasi ( Kολοκάσι ). It is usually fried or cooked with corn, pork, or chicken, in a tomato sauce in casserole. "Baby" kolokasi is called "poulles": after being fried dry, red wine and coriander seed are added, and then it is served with freshly squeezed lemon. Lately, some restaurants have begun serving thin slices of kolokasi deep fried, calling them "kolokasi chips". In

2886-557: The Sigatoka River , for which it is named, some 61 kilometres from Nadi . Its population at the 2017 census was 17,622. It is the principal urban centre for the province of Nadroga-Navosa . An ornate temple, open to public and built by Hare Krishna devotees, dominates the Sigatoka skyline. Major tourist attractions include the Sigatoka Sand Dunes near Kulukulu village, two kilometres northwest of Sigatoka; and

2960-435: The loʻi is banned because of the opportunity for chemicals to migrate quickly into streams, and then eventually the sea. Important aspects of Hawaiian culture revolve around kalo . For example, the newer name for a traditional Hawaiian feast, the lūʻau , comes from kalo . Young kalo tops baked with coconut milk and chicken meat or octopus arms are frequently served at luaus . By ancient Hawaiian custom, fighting

3034-411: The 'Momi Gunsite' (the site of two long-range cannons and played sentry to Momi Bay during World War II). Furthermore, Kula Eco Park which is a centre for conserving and housing native flora and fauna adds to the steps made by Nadroga and Fiji to safeguard the treasures of the islands. Nadroga is of immense historical and archaeological importance. The Lapita people made their settlements in the province,

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3108-417: The 10-year median production of kalo to be about 6.1 million pounds (2,800 t). However, 2003 taro production was only 5 million pounds (2,300 t), the lowest since record-keeping began in 1946. The previous low (1997) was 5.5 million pounds (2,500 t). Despite generally growing demand, production was even lower in 2005—only 4 million pounds, with kalo for processing into poi accounting for 97.5%. Urbanization

3182-491: The 1900s, sugarcane farming was expanded to Sigatoka from the Lautoka Sugar Mill. In modern times, Sigatoka thrives as an agricultural hub of Fiji, which elected its democratic government in 2001. Sigatoka was incorporated as a town in 1959, and is governed by a 10-member Sigatoka Town Council , elected for a three-year term. At the last municipal elections , held on 22 October 2005, all 10 seats were won by

3256-507: The 2011 IPC athletics world championship silver medalist and Paralympic champion in London 2012. 18°00′S 177°40′E  /  18.000°S 177.667°E  / -18.000; 177.667 Sigatoka Sigatoka ( Fijian pronunciation: [siŋatoka] singa-TOKA ; Fiji Hindi : सिन्गातोका ) is a town in Fiji . It is on the island of Viti Levu at the mouth of

3330-467: The DV (table). Taro is a food staple in African , Oceanic and South Asian cultures. People usually consume its edible corm and leaves. The corms, which have a light purple color due to phenolic pigments, are roasted, baked or boiled. The natural sugars give a sweet, nutty flavor. The starch is easily digestible, and since the grains are fine and small it is often used for baby food. In its raw form,

3404-1194: The Farebrother-Sullivan Cup for a record 111 times since the inception of the Farebrother-Sullivan challenge. The team held the Farebrother-Sullivan Cup for a record 9 years in a row from 1971 to 1979. The team known as the "Stallions" have held the Fiji Rugby Union Cup (under various sponsorship names) a record 26 times. Nadroga has contributed the highest number of rugby players to the Fiji national rugby 15s and 7s teams than any other team in Fiji rugby history. The team's junior grade (U20 and U21) has equally been successful. The province have produced rugby league internationals like Lote Tuqiri, Noa Nadruku and current NRL New Castle Knights star winger, Akuila Uate , and current Paramatta Eels superstar [Maika Sivo]. The province have produced Super rugby stars internationals like former Crusaders & Waratahs winger[Nemani Nadolo],former Wallabies & Brumbies winger[Tevita Kuridrani],New Zealand Allblacks rugby winger[Waisake Naholo], and

3478-629: The Farebrother-Sullivan Cup in 2013 from holders Tailevu. They currently hold the Digicel Cup after winning it in 2013,2012, 2011, 2009, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007. The Farebrother-Sullivan Cup is the Holy Grail of Fiji rugby: Whoever holds the trophy is considered Fiji rugby champions. Fiji's second largest sporting arena — Lawaqa Park , second only in size to the National Stadium — is in the province's capital of Sigatoka. Nadroga

3552-574: The Fiji Islands. It is the provincial home of Fiji's Para athlete, Iliesa Delana , who won Fiji's and the Pacific's first ever Paralympic gold medal. Rugby is the obsession of Nadroga, with it being the most successful in both rugby competitions and producing rugby players for the national team. The Nadroga rugby team previously held the prestigious BSP Farebrother-Sullivan Cup from 2009 to September 29, 2012, after losing it to Suva. The re-took

3626-582: The NSA is currently struggling to keep in the top flight due to a number of reasons. Cited by the current President of NSA are financial reasons and poaching of talent to name a few. They managed to secure sixth position in the latest Fiji Football League. Sigatoka is also the home town of Iliesa Delana, Fiji's and the South Pacific's first gold medalist in the Paralympic Games (2012). Health care

3700-552: The Sand Dunes and the "Salad Bowl of Fiji" (Valley Road). The Sigatoka Sand Dunes , a world heritage site and one of Fiji's principal archeological and historical locations, is in the province, about half a mile from Sigatoka Town. In July 1989, the dunes were designated as Fiji's first national park under the management of the National Trust of Fiji Islands. This distinct feature covers an area of 650 hectares and offers

3774-540: The Sigatoka Valley, which produces a high volume of the nation's fruits, spices and vegetables, for local consumption and export. Dalo (or taro ), often the domain of Eastern Fiji, is not as widely produced in Nadroga. Cassava (tapioca) is produced for consumption and export. The province is one of Fiji's sugar-producing areas, but the number of farms and production have declined in the past 10 years as farmers seek to diversify their crops and move to more lucrative crop options. Expiring native land leases have also contributed to

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3848-424: The annual rainfall exceeds 2,500 mm (100 in). Eddoes are more resistant to drought and cold. The crop attains maturity within six to twelve months after planting in dry-land cultivation and after twelve to fifteen months in wetland cultivation. The crop is harvested when the plant height decreases and the leaves turn yellow. Taro generally commands a higher market price in comparison to other root crops, so

3922-428: The apex, with the tip of the basal lobes rounded or sub-rounded. The petiole is .8–1.2 metres ( 2 + 1 ⁄ 2 –4 feet) high. The path can be up to 25 cm (10 in) long. The spadix is about three fifths as long as the spathe , with flowering parts up to 8 millimetres ( 3 ⁄ 8  in) in diameter. The female portion is at the fertile ovaries intermixed with sterile white ones. Neuters grow above

3996-594: The centre of the town. Sigatoka's economy is largely dictated by the flow-on effects of the broader Nadroga/Navosa economy. Nadroga contains a high concentration of Hotels and Resorts outside of Nadi. There are several resorts in Sigatoka, for example, Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa ( IHG ), Shangri-La's Fijian Resort, Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji, Warwick Fiji Resort & Spa, Hideaway Hotel, Naviti Hotel. Recently, there has also been major growth in international residential developments. Tourism accounts for

4070-705: The cognate forms in Austronesian suggests that the term may have been borrowed and spread from an Austroasiatic language perhaps in Borneo (cf. proto-Mon-Khmer * t 2 rawʔ , Khasi shriew , Khmu sroʔ , Mlabri kwaaj ,...). The Ancient Greek word κολοκάσιον ( kolokasion , lit. 'lotus root') is the origin of the Modern Greek word kolokasi ( κολοκάσι ), the word kolokas in both Greek and Turkish , and qulqas ( قلقاس ) in Arabic . It

4144-738: The common variety esculenta is now naturalised and considered an invasive weed in Western Australia, the Northern Territory , Queensland and New South Wales . In Europe, C. esculenta is cultivated in Cyprus and it's called Colocasi, (Κολοκάσι in Greek) and it is certified as a PDO product. It is also found in the Greek island of Ikaria and cited as a vital source of food for the island during WW II. In Turkey, C. esculenta

4218-478: The corms are usually stored at cooler temperatures, ranging from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius and maintained at a relative humidity of 80% to 90%. For packaging, the corms are commonly placed in polypropylene bags or ventilated wooden crates to minimize condensation and 'sweating.' During export, a weight allowance of approximately 5% above the net weight is included to account for potential shrinkage during transit. For commercial shipping and export purposes, refrigeration

4292-574: The difficulties of accessing fresh water. Kalo is usually grown in "pond fields" known as loʻi . Typical dryland or "upland" varieties (varieties grown in watered but not flooded fields) are lehua maoli and bun long , the latter widely known as "Chinese taro". Bun long is used for making taro chips. Dasheen (also called "eddo") is another dryland variety cultivated for its corms or as an ornamental plant. A contemporary Hawaiian diet consists of many tuberous plants, particularly sweet potato and kalo. The Hawaii Agricultural Statistics Service determined

4366-600: The early 1970’s, one of the earliest taro breeding programs was initiated in the Solomon Islands to create cultivars that were resistant to taro leaf blight. After taro leaf blight was introduced to Samoa in 1993, another breeding program was initiated. In this program Asian varieties that were resistant to TLB were used. The breeding program helped restore the taro export industry in Samoa. Corm yield and corm quality appear to be negatively correlated. In order to produce

4440-648: The females, and are rhomboid or irregular orium lobed, with six or eight cells. The appendage is shorter than the male portion. Taro is related to Xanthosoma and Caladium , plants commonly grown ornamentally , and like them, it is sometimes loosely called elephant ear. Similar taro varieties include giant taro ( Alocasia macrorrhizos ), swamp taro ( Cyrtosperma merkusii ), and arrowleaf elephant's ear ( Xanthosoma sagittifolium ). 18th-century Swedish biologist Carl Linnaeus originally described two species, Colocasia esculenta and Colocasia antiquorum , but many later botanists consider them both to be members of

4514-419: The first in the country being at Bourewa, Nadroga. Nadroga was one of the larger states of Fiji in pre-colonial times. The people of Nadroga/Navosa are amongst the friendliest in Fiji, which has contributed to a vibrant and substantial tourism industry in the province. The iTaukei of Nadroga/Navosa speak their own language/dialect and possess their own material culture. Culture has a strong hold in Nadroga, where

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4588-545: The flow-on effect of tourism and agriculture in the greater Nadroga/Navosa province. The town provides an essential service point for hotel industry, hotel workers, farmers and so forth, in terms of provision of wholesale/retail goods, government services, police, utilities and administration. Some of the longest running businesses in Sigatoka are; R Billimoria & Sons, Tappoos, Sigatoka Electric Limited, Pratap Foodhall, MAMP Shop2Save Supermarket, Neels Restaurant, Bhavani Jewellers, Sigatoka Motor Spares and Patel's Hardware to name

4662-476: The irritating raphides present in the other plants. Taro is also identified as one of the staples of Micronesia , from archaeological evidence dating back to the pre-colonial Latte Period (c. 900 – 1521 AD), indicating that it was also carried by Micronesians when they colonized the islands. Taro pollen and starch residue have also been identified in Lapita sites, dated to between 1100 BC and 550 BC. Taro

4736-411: The plant is toxic due to the presence of calcium oxalate , and the presence of needle-shaped raphides in the plant cells. However, the toxin can be minimized and the tuber rendered palatable by cooking, or by steeping in cold water overnight. Corms of the small, round variety are peeled and boiled, then sold either frozen , bagged in their own liquids, or canned . Taro is the pre-eminent crop of

4810-551: The province's symbol — the wild horse. Nadroga's coast is famous for its fine beaches and lagoons. The Mamanucas , a chain of reef-fringed islands off the western coast of Viti Levu are popular tourist and surfing destinations. Nadroga's coastal belt is an integral part of Fiji's Coral Coast — containing its leading hotels and resorts such as Shangri-La's Fijian Resort , Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort, Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, and others. Popular areas in Nadroga include Tavarua Island , Natadola Beach, Korotogo, Sigatoka,

4884-530: The quality control measures throughout the production process are rather essential. The sizes found in most markets are 1–2 kg and 2–3 kg. The best size for packaging and for consumers is 1–2 kg. To guarantee the product meets the expected high standards upon reaching the consumer, there are some common grading standards for fresh corms: Due to the high moisture content of the corms, and the plant’s natural love of humidity, mold and disease can easily develop, causing root rot or decay. To prolong their shelf lives,

4958-565: The residents in Sigatoka Town would have attended Sigatoka Methodist High School (now Sigatoka Methodist College). Sigatoka Andhra High School currently holds the second highest pass rate following Nadroga Arya College. Methodist Primary School is one of the largest primary schools in Sigatoka Town. It has more than one thousand students. There is a ratio of sixty two students per one teacher. Students attend primary school from six years of age. Sigatoka, essentially part of Nadroga province

5032-434: The taro plant as an ancestor to Hawaiians. Legend joins two siblings of high and divine rank: Papahānaumoku ("Papa from whom lands are born", or Earth mother) and Wākea (Sky father). Together they create the islands of Hawaii and a beautiful woman, Hoʻohokukalani (The Heavenly one who made the stars). The story of kalo begins when Wakea and Papa conceived their daughter, Hoʻohokukalani. Daughter and father then conceived

5106-562: The traditional art of pottery making is kept alive, brought by the Lapita , who made their first Fiji settlement in Nadroga. Masi or Tapa making flourishes on Vatulele; in other parts, traditional salt making persists. Nadroga-Navosa Province comes under the administrative jurisdiction of the Fiji Ministry of iTaukei Affairs through the Provincial Council . The council is chaired by Na Kalevu Ratu Sakiusa Makutu , who

5180-681: The uniform fresh healthy corms that the market desires, early maturing cultivars with a growth period of 5 to 7 months can be used. Cultivars grown in the Pacific regions produce good quality corms, as a result of selecting for corm quality and yield. However, the genetic bases of these cultivars is very narrow. Asian cultivars have agriculturally undesirable traits (such as suckers and stolon), but appear to be more genetically diverse. There needs to be an international exchange of taro germplasm with reliable quarantine procedures. There are thought to be 15,000 varieties of C. esculenta . Currently there are 6,000 accession from various institutes from across

5254-587: The world. The INEA (International Network for Edible Aroids) already has a core sample of 170 cultivars that have been distributed. These cultivars are maintained in vitro in a germplasm centre in Fiji, which is considered safer and cheaper than field conservation. Taro exists as a diploid (2n=28) and a triploid (3n=42). Naturally occurring triploids in India were found to have significantly better yields. There have been attempts to artificially make triploids by crossing diploids with artificial tetraploids Cooked taro

5328-573: Was borrowed by Latin as colocasia , thus becoming the genus name Colocasia . Taro is among the most widely grown species in the group of tropical perennial plants that are colloquially referred to as "elephant ears", when grown as ornamental plants . Other plants with the same nickname include certain species of related aroids possessing large, heart-shaped leaves, usually within such genera as Alocasia , Caladium , Monstera , Philodendron , Syngonium , Thaumatophyllum , and Xanthosoma . In Cyprus, Colocasia has been in use since

5402-416: Was cultivated remains unknown. Taro were carried into the Pacific Islands by Austronesian peoples from around 1300 BC, where they became a staple crop of Polynesians , along with other types of "taros", like Alocasia macrorrhizos , Amorphophallus paeoniifolius , and Cyrtosperma merkusii . They are the most important and the most preferred among the four, because they were less likely to contain

5476-406: Was later spread to Madagascar as early as the 1st century AD. In 2022, world production of taro was 18 million tonnes , led by Nigeria with 46% of the total (table). Taro has the fifth largest production among root and tuber crops worldwide. The average yield of taro is around 7 tons per hectare. Taro can be grown in paddy fields where water is abundant or in upland situations where water

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