Singkamas Farming: How to Plant and Grow Jicama for Profit

December 7, 2023 by Lauro Braganza

Singkamas farming is a very profitable agribusiness venture during summer in the Philippines when the root crop is harvested. The yam bean vine or Jicama is a member of the genus Pachyrhizus. It can reach a height of 4-5 meters with adequate support, while its roots can grow up to 2 meters in length and weigh up to 20 kilograms. In the Philippines, it is commonly called Singkamas.

Have you ever dreamed of having your farm, but don’t know where to start? Well, you might want to consider planting and growing Jicama! In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to plant and grow singkamas for profit. Read on to find out what it takes to make money from this healthy and delicious root vegetable.

Introduction to Singkamas Farming

Singkamas farming is not as difficult as it may seem. With a little bit of planning and some basic know-how, you can successfully grow jicama in your backyard or farm.

Jicama, also known as Mexican yam or Mexican turnip, is a root vegetable that is native to Mexico and Central America. It has a crisp texture and a slightly sweet flavor, making it a popular ingredient in salads and stir-fries.

To grow singkamas, you will need to start with seedlings or plants. You can purchase these from a local nursery or online retailer. Once you have your seedlings or plants, follow the instructions below to plant and grow jicama successfully.

Choose a sunny location to plant your jicama seedlings or plants. Jicama requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day in order to thrive. If you live in an area with hot summers, choose a spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade.
Prepare the planting area by loosening the soil with a shovel or tiller. Jicama roots can be up to three feet long, so make sure you create enough space for them to spread out. Add some compost or manure to the planting area for added nutrients.
3Plant your seedlings or plants 18 inches apart, making sure to keep the roots moist but not wet. Water regularly, especially during dry spells.

Benefits of Growing and Farming Singkamas

Singkamas is an excellent source of dietary fiber. A 100-gram serving of jicama contains 6.5 grams of dietary fiber, which is more than 20% of the recommended daily intake for adults. Dietary fiber is important for keeping the digestive system healthy and preventing constipation.

Singkamas is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. These nutrients are important for maintaining a healthy immune system, reducing blood pressure, and preventing bone loss.

In addition to being nutritious, Singkamas is also low in calories. A 100-gram serving contains only 38 calories, making it a great food for people who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

Finally, Singkamas is easy to grow at home. With a little effort, anyone can grow this delicious and nutritious vegetable in their backyard.

Step-by-Step Guide to Planting and Growing Jicama

Assuming you have already purchased your jicama seeds, here is a step-by-step guide to planting and growing jicama:

Choose a sunny spot in your garden that has well-drained soil. Jicama is a tropical root vegetable, so it needs plenty of warmth and sunlight to grow well.
Prepare the soil by digging a hole about 12 inches deep and mixing in some organic compost or manure.
Plant the jicama seeds about 1 inch deep in the prepared hole. Water them well after planting.
Keep the soil moist but not soggy as the seeds germinate and the young plants start to grow. This usually takes about 2 weeks.
When the plants are about 6 inches tall, thin them out so that only the strongest plants remain. These should be spaced about 18 inches apart.
Continue to water regularly and fertilize every few weeks with an all-purpose fertilizer or compost tea.
Harvest your jicama roots when they are at least 5 months of growth. Use a sharp knife or spade to carefully dig up the root vegetables without damaging them. Store them in a cool, dry place until you are ready to use them

Common Pests and Diseases Affecting Jicama Plants

Pests and diseases are common problems when growing singkamas. The most common pests are aphids, whiteflies, and mites. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The most common disease is powdery mildew, which can be controlled with fungicides.

Singkamas Farming: Tips for Maximum Yield

Before planting singkamas, make sure the soil is well-plowed. Remember that singkamas is a root crop and hard soil will not produce bigger tubers.

Start with a high-quality jicama seed. This will ensure a high germination rate and a strong, healthy plant.
Plant your jicama in well-drained soil. Jicama prefers loamy or sandy soil that is rich in organic matter.
Water your jicama regularly and deeply. Jicama is a thirsty plant and needs to be kept evenly moist throughout the growing season.
Fertilize your jicama monthly with an all-purpose fertilizer. This will help promote healthy growth and maximum yield.

Questions Related to Singkamas Farming

How long do Jicamas take to grow?

Jicama prefers rich, moist, sandy loam soil with good drainage that is high in potassium. The tubers can be harvested in 4 months for small tubers, it takes 9 months for large tubers to develop. The seed pods and seeds are toxic and dangerous to eat.

Does jicama grow in the Philippines?

Jicama, or locally known as singkamas, is widely grown throughout these regions and in areas of the Philippines and south China.

What is jicama in Tagalog?

Singkamas is a Filipino term for Jicama. This salad is also referred to as atcharang singkamas.

How long does it take for singkamas to grow?

The crop normally reaches maturity in 5-8 months, although in the warmer parts of Mexico, a commercial crop is obtained in about 3 months. If a seed crop is required, the growing period is approximately 10 months.

What is the average yield of singkamas per hectare?

Average yields of tuberous singkamas roots are about 7.5-20 t/ha, although yields as high as 95 t/ha have been reported from the Philippines and Indonesia.

What is the season of singkamas in the Philippines?

Turnip most popularly known as SINGKAMAS in the Philippines is very common during the summer season. Known to be rich in vitamins and minerals and does not contain too many calories- perfect for your healthy diet meals.

Is singkamas farming profitable?

Singkamas is one of the easiest vegetables/fruits to grow because it doesn’t need a lot of care making it one of the most profitable plants to fram.

Conclusion

farming singkamas can be a great way to make money during the summer season. With the right knowledge, you can easily get started with planting and producing good quality jicama. From preparing the soil for planting, choosing the best variety of jicama for your climate, knowing when to harvest it, and even marketing it, this guide has provided an easy step-by-step process to help you start making money from singkamas. Whether you are looking for a new hobby or business opportunity, give singkamas farming a try today!