How do I grow greater yam (water yam) and what support does the vine need?

Greater yam (Dioscorea alata, water yam) is grown from tuber pieces (setts) or whole small tubers and produces large underground tubers over a long season. The vine is a vigorous climber, so it usually needs staking or trailing on a support (poles, trellis or a live standard) to get good light and tuber size. Plant on mounds or ridges in rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter, give it the full long season it needs (often most of the year), and earth up. Sprouted setts establish faster. It is largely a homestead and local-market crop in Kerala and the east, valued for big tubers. Get the locally suited variety, sett size and spacing from your KVK or CTCRI for best results.