Cassava (Manihot esculenta), also known as mandioca, manioc, and yuca, is a staple crop of the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). It is originally from South America, but it is now grown throughout the tropics and subtropics.
Due to its numerous benefits to mankind, cassava has been named certain other names like “the drought, war, and famine crop” because it can be grown in difficult conditions (e.g., dry soils with low fertility) and harvested when needed (rather than just at the end of the growing season), thereby providing a food reserve during times of war and famine.
Cassava is regarded as the third-largest source of food carbohydrates in the tropics, after rice and maize.
If you are interested in learning more about cassava farming (Manihot esculenta), then you’ve come to the right place.
Our comprehensive guide will teach you how to grow and harvest the crop to produce the highest yields possible.
First, for you to achieve success, there are many important steps that you should take to maximize your harvests and minimize the risk of loss due to pests and unfavorable weather conditions.
In this guide, we’ll also show you how best to plant the cassava stems for high yields.
Planting your cassava seedlings popularly known as cassava stems is one of the most important aspects of cassava farming (Manihot esculenta). Also, early planting of the cassava stems is one of the keys to ensuring a good sprout and healthy plant establishment.
In cassava farming, you must ensure a strong root system on your cassava farm because a strong root system means a strong plant that can withstand disease later in the season.
Read Also: How to process Cassava Chips for Animal Feed
Cassava Farming (Manihot esculenta) Method of Propagation Guide
Before planting the cuttings, be sure to keep the soil weed-free for three months before they emerge.
For the best yields, plant the tubers at least 2 – 4 centimeters apart. If you’re planting cassava in the middle of a field, you need to keep it moist until the first frost.
The best way to plant cassava is to follow the recommended plant spacing. If you’re planting a row of cassava, it’s important to place it in the middle with a spacing of about 6 centimeters apart.
You should also apply fertilizer every eight weeks to maintain the right moisture level in your soil.
1. Cassava Water Requirements
While it is possible to grow cassava in areas with 400 mm of rainfall, it is essential to plant the plant in early July.
As soon as the soil is well-prepared, the cassava stems can then be planted.
However, in areas that receive little or no rain, the crop can suffer a severe yield reduction if water availability is not sufficient.
Therefore, a higher water supply is also essential for increased yields.
2. Cassava Manure and Fertilizer Requirements
Fertilization is another important part of cassava farming.
Ideally, you should apply three or four bags of farmyard manure per hectare of your cassava farm.
Additionally, you should ensure to maintain high-quality soil as it will help to promote increased yields.
Read Also: Garri Processing and Reasons why Garri Business is a very profitable agribusiness to venture into
3. Cassava Soil Requirements
Similarly, you should also avoid planting cassava in sloped or sloping areas. For best results, plant the plants in depressions.
During the first few months, water levels should be stable and the crop should be ready for harvest.
Cassava Tubers Processing Guide
When it comes to cassava processing; Garri processing, for instance, the back brownish part of the cassava tubers to be used need to be peeled off with the use of a knife leaving only the whitish part of the cassava tubers, after which they should be properly cleaned by washing to remove the excess peel.
After washing, the tubers should be transported to a cassava processing plant.
Garri processing machinery includes a hydraulic press, 5 HP machine, fryers, and wheelbarrows.
However, in modern facilities, machines can be purchased to process the cassava and make it easier for farmers to process.
Additionally, aside from the popular Garri which is produced from cassava tubers, cassava tubers can also be used in the production of other products like; cassava flour, cassava cake, cassava chips, cassava bread, cassava pasta, and many others.
All these make the cassava farming business a profitable venture for every farmer to profit from. Therefore I will like to encourage you to give the cassava farming business a trial today!
Read Also: Foods that fight inflammation (Anti-inflammatory Foods)
In summary: while cassava has a variety of uses, the best way to plant cassava is in the full sun.
It is grown in a wide range of climates and temperatures but prefers a warm climate and full sun.
The variety you choose will largely depend on the growing region and environmental conditions.
The soil must be moist enough for the plant to grow properly.
If it’s in the shade, the cassava should be kept away from the sun.
Before planting cassava (Manihot esculenta), it’s important to test the soil for weeds and pests. If you don’t do this, your crops will not survive the drought.
However, it’s a great option for farmers who are interested in cassava for its high yields, this is because, with a well-established, healthy plant, cassava will provide you with years of nutrition and profit.
A cassava plant can grow up to 12 feet tall, so it’s important to plant the cassava seedlings in a sunny area.
Then, you must select an area where the cassava plant will grow. The soil should be well-drained, and a lack of moisture will kill the cassava plants. If the soil is too wet or too dry, it may also not survive, therefore every aspect of the requirements needs to be moderated according to the required amount.
Here is where I will bring our today’s discussion on how you can successfully cultivate and manage your cassava farm to encourage higher yields and profit to an end.
Read Also: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide to Vegetable Gardening