Cost and Return of Chinese Taro Production in the Hilo Area

Abstract

This study provides an update of the cost and return of Chinese taro production in the Hilo area. Return to management is estimated to be $5,575 per acre per crop. Total fixed costs and variable costs are $1,573 and $4,602 respectively. Estimated breakeven price is 20.6 cents (per Ib of taro corm) to cover total costs. For a newly established operation which has to purchase hulis, return to management is reduced by the cost of hulis of $1,245 to $4,219, and breakeven price to cover total costs is estimated to be 25.1 cents. Using an optimal fertilization schedule as derived from a recent experiment, return to management can be increased by $2,500 per acre per crop and breakeven price to cover total costs is estimated to be 19.2 cents.