Growing Cassava - Iita
GROWING CASSAVAA training manual from production topostharvestAdebayo B. Abass, Elifatio Towo,Ivor Mukuka, RichardsonOkechukwu, Roger Ranaivoson,Gbassey Tarawali and Edward Kanju
AcknowledgementWe would like to acknowledge G. Asumugha, U. Udensi and T. Osun for their technical inputs to the IITAmaterials used for developing parts of this manual. We acknowledge the financial support receivedfrom the Common Fund for Commodities of the Netherlands (CFC), USAID-Nigeria, Africa Development Bank(AfDB) and the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD). International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), 2014.Ibadan, NigeriaTo Headquarters from outside Nigeria:IITA, Carolyn House,26 Dingwall Road,Croydon CR9 3EE, UKWithin Nigeria:PMB 5320, Oyo RoadIbadan, Oyo StateIllustrated by Athman H. Mgumia and Mosher ChandeISBN: 978-978-8444-50-3Correct citation: Adebayo B. Abass, Elifatio Towo, Ivor Mukuka, Richardson Okechukwu, Roger Ranaivoson,Gbassey Tarawali and Edward Kanju. 2014. Growing cassava: A training manual from production to postharvest.IITA, Ibadan, Nigeria.
GROWING CASSAVAA training manual from production to postharvestAdebayo B. Abass, Elifatio Towo,Ivor Mukuka, RichardsonOkechukwu, Roger Ranaivoson,Gbassey Tarawali and Edward Kanju
ContentCassava stem handling for increased yield1Cost-effective mechanization incass ava production2IntroductionCost-effective mechanization practices and farmoperationsAvailable machines for commercial to small-to medium-scalecassava productionHighlights6HarvestingBackgroundPreparing healthy cassava stems for plantingHow to plant cassava cuttingsHow to produce large quantities of cassava stemsHighlightsZero input technologies to increase yieldin cassava productionCommon weeds found on cassava farmsWhen and how control weedChemical controlWeed control groupsHighlights16When to harvestHow to harvest cassavaHighlightsZero inputHow to use zero input technologies to get good yieldsQualities of improved cassava varietiesInter cropping cassava under zero inputHow to increase yield without inputsHighlightsWeed control practices in cassavaproduction12Postharvest handling and storageof fresh roots19Transporting cassava rootsStoring cassava rootsHighlights9Processing operations and machinery23Why cassava is processedOperations in cassava processingHighlights9Conclusion29
1IntroductionCassava is either the first or the second most important staple food inmany sub-Saharan African countries. Cassava production andprocessing practices remain largely habitual in most of the producingcountries despite the high potentials for its commercial production andprocessing, its export potential, and its use in local industries to reduceimport expenditure on substitute imported products. Most cassavafarmers are either not aware of available modern technologies forgrowing and processing cassava or lack the ability to use them.There is also paucity of cassava production specialists, agribusinessexperts, processing and, agro-machinery experts to provide advice tofarmers, processors, product assemblers, and other value chainactors. The lack of technical advice hinders the ability of small andmedium scale farmers to improve value chain efficiency andprofitability of their cassava enterprises. It contributes to the inability ofmost farmers to manage cassava production as a business andhinders processors from upgrading from the traditional rudimentaryprocessing methods to mechanical, high capacity, efficient andprofitable processing enterprises. Consequently, cassava valuechain actors in Africa are not competitive enough to participate in theglobal market.This training manual was developed based on research results andfield experiences of cassava value chain development experts. Itprovides consolidated and relevant set of techno-commercial orientedinformation presented with simple annotated drawings to explain thestep-by-step use of improved techniques and tools of cassavaproduction, handling, processing, storage, quality assurance andmarketing.The manual will be useful to farmers, processors, marketers, extensionagents and other experts who are supporting cassavacommercialization in Africa. The use of the manual by value chainactors will enhance their knowledge and capacity to improve efficiencyof their cassava related operations and can increase profitability.Although new commercial, medium-scale cassava farmers arebeginning to emerge in some cassava growing countries, such as inDRC, Ghana and Nigeria, most of them use only some and not allavailable or recently developed modern techniques that can increaseefficiency of growing and processing cassava. Inability to apply moderntechnologies in a holistic or consolidated manner for cassava growingand processing operations reduces the prospect to maximize profit.1
2Cassava stem handling for increased yieldBackgroundCassava is propagated by stem cuttings. These cuttings must behandled properly for good sprouting and establishment. In this sectionwe look at the best practices in stem handling for increased yield.Preparing healthy cassava stems for plantingmmObtain stems for planting from mature plants 10–12 months old.Store under the shade for 2–5 days (never more than 2 weeks)before cutting and planting. This makes the stems sprout fasterthan when they are planted freshly cut from the field.mStems should be stored vertically on the soil under a shade. Thedistal end of the stems should touch the soil, which is moistenedregularly, with the surroundings kept free from weeds (Figure 1).Handle the stems with care not to destroy the nodes that mayresult in losses. Do not make jagged cut surfaces or keep stemsin the open (leading to drying) (Figure 2).mmFigure 1. Stored cassava stems under the shedm Cuttings can also be planted in a horizontal position in which thecuttings are completely buried in the soil to a depth of 5 cm (Fig 4b).Cut stems, with sharp tools, preferably secateurs or cutlasses,into 25-cm cuttings with 5–7 nodes (Figure 3).How to plant cassava cuttingsmCassava cuttings can be planted in a slanting or angular positiono(45 ). In this case, the cuttings are buried in the soil with one-thirdabove the soil surface. Ensure that the buds point upwards. Thisis where the cuttings sprout (Fig 4a).Figure 2. Avoid destroyingnodes and jagged cuts12Figure 3. Cassava cuttings
m Plant the cuttings at a spacing of 1 m 1 m on the crest of ridgesor mounds as conventionally recommended. This will give a plantpopulation of 10,000 stands/ha.m Vertical or angular planting is recommended in areas of highrainfallm Horizontal planting is better in dry areas.Step 2: Remove from the solution and place in perforated transparentpolythene bags for pre-sprouting.Figure 4a. Planting at 45oFigure 4b. Planting horizontallyHow to produce large quantities of cassava stemsRapid multiplication technique can be used to produce large quantitiesof cassava stems as planting materials for subsequent seasons.m Select and use improved, healthy, and pest/disease free cassavastems.m Cut the stems into several 2-node or 3-node stakes usingsecateurs, a sharp knife/machete, or a stake cutting machine.Step 3: Store in the polythene bags under the shade of a tree or underthe cassava canopy or in a farm shed for 7–10 days to sprout.Rapid multiplication in a nursery using 2-node cassavastakes:Step 1: Treat the stakes with available insecticides or fungicides bymeasuring out the quantities into a container, add water andmix thoroughly. For example, 1kg of Neem leaf powder in 5L ofwater. Put the stakes into the solution for 10 minutes.23
Step 4: Prepare the nursery for planting.Step 5: Expose the polythene bags in the field by placing them onridges and mounds, or on the flat ground for 20 minutes.20–25 cmAvoid bruising the harvested stemsStep 8: Plant on the main farm.Step 6:: Transplant the sprouted stakes into the nursery at 2–4 cmdepth at a spacing of 100 cm 50 cm or 50 cm 50 cmin a well prepared rapid multiplication field. Handle the stakescarefully to avoid breakage.planting:Transplant only when there is enough moisture in the soil.Step 1: Treat the stakes with insecticides or fungicides as for the2-node cuttings treatment.Step 7: Harvest cassava stems at 6–8 months after planting. Toharvest, cut the stems at a height of 20–25 cm above theground level with a sharp machete.Step 2: Plant the treated stakes directly on the multiplication field usingthe appropriate spacing as described in the 2-nodecuttings method (Step 6).34
Figure 5. 3-node piecesHighlightsAchieving increased yields of 20–45 t/ha from improvedvarieties starts with this critical stage of stem handling. Toensure increased cassava yields, start right by following therecommended steps.45
Zero input technologies to increase yield in cassavaproduction3Zero inputYou can grow cassava using zero input technology. This does notneed chemicals, such as fertilizers and herbicides, or organiccompost. The zero input method encourages biological activity in thesoil and provides natural protection from diseases. It can guaranteegood yields, provided that you select a land with adequate organicmatter, use the right varieties, plant at the right spacing and time,and ensure a weed-free farm. In this section we look at thisenvironmentally-friendly farming practice.How to use zero input technologies to get good yieldsmmmmmFigure 6a. In deep soils cassavais planted on flat landChoose a good soil with medium fertility and good drainage.Avoid stony, clayey or water-logged soils.Use a farm that has been well maintained.Practice minimum tillage in sandy soils to conserve organicmatter, and moisture, and to reduce soil erosion.In shallow or hard soils, make ridges or mounds to increasethe topsoil volume per plant for a better establishment (Figure6a & 6b).Figure 6b. In shallow soilscassava is planted on mounds toincrease the topsoil volume perplantmChoose improved varieties with the highest and most stableyield performance in the particular farm locations.m Select planting materials from healthy cassava plants (9-15months old) without stem or leaf damage from pests ordiseases.m Handle the stems carefully to avoid bruising or damaging thenodes and to improve sprouting.Do not use force when tying the stems in bundles and whenloading vehicles (Figure 7).Figure 7. Using force when tying the stems in bundles may causebreakage56
mCut the middles of the stems into 25 cm lengths with 5–7 nodes.Middle portions establish better than the tips and basal parts(Figure 8).0.8 m25 cm1mFigure 8. Better cuttings are from the middle portion of the stemmmFigure 9b. Non-branching typePlant at the right time to ensure healthy sprouting and good cropestablishment. Dry season planting is not recommended whenthe rains stop early or where the water table is low. There may notbe enough moisture to allow sprouting and the stems to survive.In general, cassava should be planted when 2 months ofadequate soil moisture is expected after planting.Plant at the correct spacing. The recommended planting space is1m 1m for branching types and 1m 0.8m for non-branchingtypes (Figure 9a & b).mWeed the farm early. Early weeding is easier, and prevents weedsfrom competing with the crop for nutrients, water, light, and spaceat that important period. If planting early in the rainy season, weedat 4, 8 and 12 weeks after planting. If the rainy season ends beforethis schedule can be completed, continue weeding during thefollowing rainy season at 6–10 weeks after the rains begin.Qualities of improved cassava varietiesmmmmmGrow fast and mature earlyTolerate major diseases and pests.Give high root yields (fresh and dry).Meet end-users’ quality needs.Store well in the ground for 12–15 months.Intercropping cassava under zero inputm1m1mmFigure 9a. Branching type67Cassava/maize and cassava/legume intercrops have been foundto make better use of the land, reduce soil erosion and the risk ofcrop loss.Cassava can also be intercropped with yam, sweet potato, okra,and leafy vegetables.
m For sole crop cassava, plant on the top of the ridge or heap. Whenintercropped with maize, plant cassava on the top and maize onthe side of the ridge or mound.m Where cassava is grown as an intercrop, adjust the spacing from0.8m 1m to 1m 1m to suit the branching habits of cassava andthe other crop(s).much technical knowledge from the small-scale farmer. But youmust use the crop husbandry practices mentioned in thismanual. This environmentally-friendly farming strategy is moresuitable for cassava than crops such as maize, rice, andsorghum that have a high demand for fertilizer.m High yielding and healthy planting materials can be received orpurchased from your country’s cassava Research Institutes,Cassava Program or Root and Tuber Programs.m Good planting materials can be purchased from trained andindividual farmers, farmers’ associations or seed companieswhich multiply cassava for sale in your area.How to increase yield without purchasing soilnutrient-enhancing inputsmmPlant leguminous crops such as soybean in rotations or intercrops,or Mucuna in fallows. This helps to sustain soil fertility and quality,and to manage water, noxious weeds (spear grass), pests anddiseases.Mulch cassava seedbeds: This means covering the soil surfacewith plant materials. It is especially valuable when growingcassava in dry areas and on slopes. It has these advantages:llmmIncreases the ability of the soil to hold waterImproves the fertility of the soil.for plant growth.l Reduces erosion and weed problems.Sources of good mulching material include dead leaves fromalley crops, rice husks, coffee hulls, crop/weed residues andleguminous plants (live mulch).Cover crops such as Mucuna, Centrosema, and Aeschynomene,when used as live mulch are usually incorporated into the soilbefore the crop is planted.HighlightsmA good yield of cassava can be achieved without chemicals sincethese are often unavailable or too expensive, and demand too78
4Weed control practices in cassava productionmmmmControlling weeds in sub-Saharan Africa takes up to 60% of the laborin crop production and more than 40% of the total cost of growingcassava. In this section we look at efficient and cost-effective weedcontrol practices in cassava production.TillageMulchingBurningCropping system such as cover crops (Figure 11)Common weeds found on cassava farmsThere are two broad categories: annual and perennial weeds. Weedscan further be grouped into broad leaved weeds, grasses, and sedgesBroad leaved weeds – Chromolaena odorata, Commelinabenghalensis, Euphorbia heterophylla, Aspilia africana andMimosa spp.Grasses – Imperata cylindrica, Cynodon dactylon, Panicummaximum, and Pennisetum polystachionSedges – Cyperus rotundus, Cyperus sculentus, Mariscusalternifolius, and Mariscus labelliformisFigure 10. Hand/hoe weedingWhen and how to control weedWeeds are controlled so that cassava grows and develops well.Control weeds in the3-4 months after planting (MAP).Biological method: Biological weed control techniques suppressweed growth.mFallowingmPlant density and canopy managementCultural method: Good crop husbandry minimizes weed3interference:m Hand/hoe weeding (Fig 10)89Figure 11. Cover crop
m Preventing the spread of weed seedsChemical method: Herbicides kill or damage weeds .Herbicides can be applied before land preparation(pre-tillage), immediately after land preparation (pre-planting),and 4–8 months after planting (post-emergence).Chemical controlm To control hard-to-kill perennial weeds that hand-pullingcannot remove.m To avoid damaging cassava roots.m To control annual weeds that grow quickly and produce manyseeds.m To increase yield, reduce labor and weed interferencem To cost-effectively and quickly cultivate large farms.Figure 12. Pre-plantingapplicationFigure 13. Pre-emergenceapplicationWhen and how to apply chemicalsm Pre-planting: Use herbicides containing glyph sate at (3–4 L/ha),10 days before land preparation (Figure 12).m Pre-emergence : Depending on availability, use (Atropine Metolachlor) at 4 L/ha, or Atrazine Pendimethalin at 4-6L/ha, or Fluometuron Metolachlor at 5 L/ ha, or Fluometuron Pendimethalin at 4 L/ha (Figure 13).m Post-emergence: Use Fusilade Forte 150EC recommended at5–6 L/ha at 12 weeks after planting, for grasses. Apply Diuron Paraquat at 7 L/ha (directed spray) 4–8 weeks after planting(early post emergence) for broad leaved weeds. Avoid direct ordrift damage to the crop (Figure 14).Figure 14. Post-emergenceapplication10
Tips for successful chemical weed controlm Choose the right herbicide for the job.m Check and calibrate the sprayer.m Know the spray volume needed. Standard spray volume is 200 L/ha, speed and walking is 1 m/sec or 3.6 km/h.m Wear the right protective clothing.m Follow the maker’s instruction for every herbicide. READ THELABEL AND HEED THE LABEL (Five times: 1 before purchase,2 before mixing, 3 before application, 4 at storage and 5 beforedisposing of the excess herbicide) (Fig 15).m Dilute the herbicide correctly. Too much is dangerous: too littledoes not work.m Watch the weather. Do not spray on windy days or in very dryweather or when heavy rain is likely.m Buy the amount needed for one spraying or for one growingseason.m Store herbicides correctly.m Maintain the sprayer in good condition.Figure 15. Read the label anda) Before purchaseWeed control groupsb) Before mixingc) Before applicationAgricultural extension departments of Ministry of Agriculture or LocalGovernment Administration are encouraged to organize trainable youthto become weed control groups in various localities. These groups andherbicide companies should be linked. The companies can providetraining to the youth to help farmers choose and apply herbicidescorrectly.HighlightsA combination of cost-effective cultural, biological, and chemicalmethods is needed for good, affordable weed management in cassavaproduction. Chemical and biological control methods require technicalknowledge.d) At storage11e) Before disposing of theexcess herbicide
5Cost-effective mechanization in cassava productionIntroductionCassava production in Africa is mostly in the hands of smallholder farmers who depend on costly manual labor. Fullofusing improved inputs, such as improved varieties, fertilizers, andherbicides in boosting cassava production, cannot be achievedwithout mechanization. This section, provides a guide onmechanization in cassava production and focuses on small-scalemechanization for farms between 1–20 ha.Figure 16 :D6 light bulldozerCost-efficient mechanization practices and farmoperationsmmmmmmCost-efficient mechanization means that all costsare covered and the farmer enjoys a goodLand clearing, tillage, planting, fertilizer application,weed control, and harvesting can be mechanized.The level of mechanization can be small, medium,or large, depending on the land area.Careful planning is required because buying or hiringmachinery is an expensive undertaking for a small holder.The right machines and a suitable schedule foroperations are needed.Terrain, soil type, and rainfall are all important whenthe farmer is choosing machines.mLight bulldozers such as D6 or D65, can clear 2 or more ha in 1day in fallow areas, depending on the vegetation. The bulldozerspush down the trees and shrubs and the blade is not allowed totouch the topsoil.mBulldozers are used only on dry soils, particularly during the dryseason, to avoid compaction.Whenever bulldozers are not necessary or not available, themonkey winch is the next most efficient machine for land clearing.It can clear 1 ha in half the time that would be taken to do thework by hand.Monkey winch is usefull in felling trees, pulling out roots of thetrees without damaging the soil and it is easy to take to the fieldbecause of its light weight.The chain saw is portable and very useful for felling trees andcutting down shrubs but it cannot be used to uproot stumps.For higher efficiency, it is usually combined with the monkeywinch, or the stumps are removed by hand.The brush-cutter is designed to clear grasses, small bushes, andshrubs.With a medium powered brush-cutter, a farmer can clear 1 ha ofland in less than 2 hours.mmmmmAvailable machines for commercial small- tomedium-scale cassava productionm1. Land clearingmmLand clearing can be mechanized using light bulldozers, monkeywinches, monkey jacks and chain saws.12
Uprooting a stumpwith monkey jack2. TillageFelling a tree withmonkey winchmmmFigure 17. Monkey winchmRolling a heavy logwith monkey jackmFigure 18. Using monkey winchand monkey jackmmmFigure 19. Chain sawTillage loosens and aerates the soil, and mixes organic matterand nutrients fairly evenly; roots can penetrate more deeply andplants are established better.In fallow land, it takes 40 to 50 people one day to till one ha byhand and make mounds. In the savannas, it takes 25% less laborto do the same work.Soil tillage can be mechanized using tractor-mounted plows orpower tillers (Figure 22).The most common plows in Tanzania, for example, are the disctype. They are designed to break, turn, mix, and raise soil.A trained operator can plow 4 ha in a day. A disc plow is costsaving and faster than tillage by hand.The use of a power tiller is the next most efficient machine for soiltillage whenever tractor-mounted plows are not necessary or notavailable (Fig 23).It can till 1.0–1.8 ha in 8 hours, depending on how wet and heavythe soil is.Many small farmers could contribute funds to buy 1 power tillerthat can service at least 250 ha of land in a year.Figure 20. Cutting tree by chainsawFigure 22. Tractor-mountedploughFigure 21 a and b. Clearing grasses and bushes using a brushcutter13Figure 23. Power tiller
3. PlantingmmmmmmmmDepending on the type of planter, cassava stems are usuallycut into 20–25 cm long stakes or cuttings stakes or cuttingswhich are planted horizontally, inclined, or vertically onGenerally farmers plant by hand and it takes 8–10 personsto plant 1 ha in 1 day (Figure 24).Cassava planting can be mechanized using tractor-poweredplanters (Figure 25). Mechanical planters are suitable forlarge-scale planting. For small- or medium-scale farmers, hiringa mechanical planter and paying a fee for planting could bemore cost-effective.A 2-row planter can plant 7–10 ha in 1 day, depending onthe terrain.It is faster and 50% less expensive than planting by hand.The planter requires a tractor 60–70 hp, especially in soils likelyto become compacted. Four people are often required tooperate a 2-row planter: a tractor driver, two people to feed thestakes into the planter and one person on the ground.The cuttings need to be the same length, size, and shape withcleanly cut ends. Stem cuttings could be prepared by handusing simple tools such as hacksaws or a small motorizedchain saw. A cassava stem cutting machine has also beendeveloped.Some mechanical planters can simultaneously cut cassavastems to stakes of constant length, plant at equidistance, applyfertilizer, and cover the planted stakes. Generally this type ofmechanical planter can plant 3–6ha in 1 day.Figure 24. Farmers planting cassava by handm5. WeedingmHow to plant cassava by machinemmStem cuttings could be prepared by hand using simple tools suchas hacksaws or a small motorized chain saw. A cassava stemcutting machine has also been developed.The cuttings need to be the same length, size, and shapewith cleanly cut ends.m14Weeds reduce crop yield. Weeding is the most expensive item incassava production.Weeds can be controlled with use of herbicides and a boomsprayer mounted on a tractor.Boom sprayers have a tank which can carry 400–610 liters of
mthe chemical. They reduce the cost of labor, and save time andenergy.The knapsack sprayer is also used and is hand-operated. It takesa lot of time and is not cost-effective but it works well for smallscale farmers.HighlightsA suitable mechanized production system developed with carecan reduce the labor requirement and operational costs. Farmersare advised to carefully select the machines required for theoperations, depending on their scale of production, to avoidchoosing a production method too expensive for the work. Manyof the States/Local Government Areas and the private sector inmany countries have institutions responsible for mechanicalmachine hiring services. African governments are encouraged tomake agriculture machine hiring services to be functional,organized, and accessible. Farmers are therefore encouraged totake advantage of these services.Figure 25.Mechanical cassavaplanting15
6Harvestingto inaccurate weight records. Also, the roots may be very dirty andhighly contaminated when peeled, thereby requiring large volumeof water and extended time to wash the peeled roots thoroughly.When to harvestCassava roots should be harvested at peak of maturity or at the rightage, size and tenderness required for fresh market (use of roots as asnack or home cooking). Fully matured cassava roots should beharvested for processing.How to harvest cassavaCassava roots are harvested by pulling the stem which carries theroots out of the ground. Harvesting could be done manually or bymechanical methods.Cassava roots may lose the valuable starch, rot or become woody ifnot harvested at maturity. They are exposed to rodents and the landcannot be put into productive use in the next season if the roots arenot harvested. This contributes to the general agriculture outputs insmallholder systems and can cause shortage of land and increaseproduction costs, especially in places where land is scarce.Manual method:m Cut the plant at about 30–50 cm above the ground; use the stemto lift the roots.m Pull the plant gently and do not drag the roots. Dragging can causebruises and cuts which may lead to early deterioration (Figure26).This section provides a guide on proper harvesting and postharvesthandling of cassava.m Harvest cassava roots when they are mature to have accumulated enough starch but have not yet become fibrous.m The optimum age when the starch and dry matter yields arehighest is 9 – 12 months after planting, depending on the varietyand the climate. Some varieties mature in 15 – 18 months.Extended cold season may delay the maturity of cassava.m Harvesting too early results in a low yield while delayed harvestingcould reduce yield.m Harvest cassava when the soil is slightly soft but has no excessivewater so hat you can easily remove soil from the roots. Harvestingin soft soil is easier than when the soil is harder. Roots harvestedin soggy conditions get soil stuck between them and this can leadFigure 26. Harvesting16
mIf the soil is compact, loosen itthe roots (Figure 27).mbut take care not to damagemAfter harvesting, do not leave the roots under the sun. Too muchheat causes weight loss and early deterioration.Manual method of harvesting usually requires 40-60 persons,depending on the season, to harvest 1 ha of cassava in 1 day.Mechanical methods:Cassava liftermmmmThis equipment is manually operated and reduces the drudgeryin lifting tubers (Figure 29).The jaws will grip the base of the stem tightly.The lever is then used to lift the roots.The lifter can harvest up to 200 plants/hour.Figure 27. Loosen hard soilsmSeparate the roots from the stem using a sharp knife or cutlass.Cut each root near to the stem. Do not break the roots from thestump by hand. This will cause injuries which lead to root rot(Figure 28).Figure 29 . Cassava lifterFigure 28. Cut each root near to the stem17
Motorized cassava harvesterHighlightsm The mechanical harvester cuts, digs, and raises up soil containingthe cassava root cluster.m The equipment is usually pulled by a tractor and used by largescale farmers (Figure 30).m A 2-row mechanical harvester can harvest 3-5 ha cassava farm in1 day, depending on the terrain. It is faster and 50% cheaper thanharvesting by hand. Mechanical harvesters can be imported orbought locally.Harvesting requires proper planning in terms of timing and methodto be used. Manual harvesting is labor intensive and expensive.To reduce cost in a commercial operation, farmers are advised toharvest the roots using mechanical methods. To avoid loss of qualityand quantity of roots (postharvest losses), the amount of roots to beharvested should be gauged depending on immediate market demandor quantity needed for immediate processing.Figure 30. Motorized cassava harvester18
7Postharvest handling and storage of fresh rootsStoring cassava rootsCassava tubers attached to the main stem can remain safely in theground for several months. However, after harvest the roots startdeteriorating within 2 – 3 days, and rapidly become of little value forconsumption or industrial use.Cassava roots start deteriorating soon after harvesting. Internaldiscoloration and loss of marketing value occur if they are not cookedor processed within 24 – 48 hour of harvesting. Secondary fungi andbacteria infection may cause rot in untreated roots.This section, provides a guide on post-harvest handling and storageof cassava.Transporting cassava rootsTo avoid root deterioration and loss of quality, transport to the homestead,market or processing plant immediately after harvesting.How to transport cassava rootsmmmmmmUse wheel barrows or any other suitable container to transportroots in small quantities and short distances, such as from thefarm to road side or bulking center where they will be loaded on avehicle for long distance transportation.Gently off load the roots from the wheelbarrow or container withoutcausing bruises or damage to the rootsVehicles transporting cassava a long distance should be coveredwith tarpaulin to avoid rapid moisture loss from the roots (Figure31).Use oxen-cart for transportation especially in the rural areaswhere there are no paved roads or the roads are not passable tovehicles (Figure 32)Carefully sort and arrange roots neatly in the vehicle or cart tosave spaceDo not s
Rapid multiplication technique can be used to produce large quantities of cassava stems as planting materials for subsequent seasons. Select and use improved, healthy, and pest/disease free cassava stems. Cut the stems into several 2-node or 3-node stakes using secateurs, a sharp knife/machete, or a stake cutting machine.
by upgrading value chains for new cassava products such as High Quality Cassava Flour (HQCF). This report revisits the value chains for cassava and cassava products in Tanzania and aims to develop new ideas for future interventions based on an up to date picture of the key and emerging demand drivers.
project in Nigeria and Tanzania. The sustainable ebony project funded by Taylor Guitars is a joint project implemented by the Congo Basin Institute (CBI) partners: UCLA, IITA, and the Higher Institute of Environmental Science (HIES). IITA-Cameroon/CBI was proud to host several global forestry experts visiting Cameroon on 27 April as
1Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, University Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia 2 Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences, Tsukuba 305-8686 Japan Email: 1jsmsulthan@gmail.com, 2krachaai@ybb.ne.jp ABSTRACT Modified cassava starch (MCS) is a product derived from cassava chips that uses a principle of modifying
and the national household surveys in terms of reported cassava production and yields further underscore the need for methodological research for improving the statistics on root, tuber and tree crops in general, and cassava in particular. Considering the importance of cassava for food security and the absence of best practices in
non-fermented cassava flour. It focuses on quality assurance of the raw materials, processing, hygiene, storage and transportation, packaging and labeling. The manual outlines the operational steps or procedures that should be followed in the manufacture of safe and good quality cassava flour.
and job creation on a global perspective. Using cassava as model crop, we highlight some of the possible causes of agricultural mechanisation stagnation in the African region. 1.1. Cassava cultivation and mechanisation Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is grown all over the world and in Africa is the most produced ahead of sugar cane and maize .
For consumptive purposes, cassava requires more processing than all the tuber crops. Amongst the root and tuber crops, cassava is the most perishable crop with two to three days of deterioration after harvest, and for it to be consumable, the cyanide content must be reduced to an acceptable and safe level.
2nd Grade . ELA Priority Standards Grade 2 CCSS PA Core Foundational Skills RF.2.3 CC.1.1.2.D Know and apply grade level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words. Distinguish long and short vowels when reading regularly spelled one- syllable words. Decode two-syllable words with long vowels and words with common prefixes and suffixes. Read grade level high-frequency .
