Step by Step Procedure to Cultivate your Cassava

Cassava grows very well in most parts of West Africa like Ghana, Senegal, Benin Republic, Nigeria and Cameroon. Brazilians are also known for cassava farming which they use for tapioca production.

The industrial processing of cassava in Nigeria holds much potential for successful investment. The crop is increasingly attracting the attention of serious business people, and processing businesses are slowly starting to spring up all over the country. You also know how useful cassava is to Nigerians in general in terms of consumption. Cassava forms the major part of our daily food. Almost no family can survive a whole year without cassava-related food.

Cassava can be processed into a number of products such as starch, flour, chips, ethanol and glucose syrup, and bread to name a few. These products are all in high demand locally and also have significant export possibilities. These, therefore, place a lot of raw cash in the hands of anyone who goes into cassava farming right now.

As a smart person, you should be thinking about how to take advantage of government support for agriculture and the increased budget to create wealth for yourself. This is because cassava production surely provides opportunity for investors. If you are ready, here is what you need to start your own cassava farming in Nigeria.

1. Select Site for Your Cassava Farming

For Cassava plantation, it is important to choose accessible well-drained fertile soil. You can take a sample of the soil where you want to start your cassava farming to the IITA to help determine whether the soil is suitable for high-yield cassava variety.

While most forest lands within the South West are known to be very fertile for cassava farming, it is important to further verify in other to be sure of your investment.

2. Decide On Cassava Varieties

For good cassava production, the following varieties are recommended for their high yield and processing quality: TMS 30572, NR 8082, NR8083, TMS 4(2) 1425, TMS 81/00110, TMS 92/0326. An additional 10 varieties are in the process of being released. Check from the cassava production specialists in Ibadan.

3. Land Preparation and Planting

A total herbicide – Round up (a glyphosate) should be applied to the land where you want to plant your cassava at the rate of 4–5 l/ha 10 days before land preparation. For cost-effectiveness and optimum plant population of your cassava, mechanization and planting on ridges are recommended.

4. Liming

It is recommended that 5 (50 kg) bags of agricultural lime be applied /ha during land preparation.
Planting and planting material

1. Cassava Planting starts in April and can be extended to October.
2. The quantity of cassava recommended for 1 ha is 60 bundles of cassava stem.
3. Cassava Stem cuttings 25 cm long should be planted at a spacing of 1 m x 1 m.
4. Maintain 100% cassava planting rate by replacing dead or nonviable stems.

Post-planting weed control

Where a total herbicide was not used before land preparation for cassava plantation, it is recommended that a selective pre-emergence herbicide be applied within three days after planting. Five liters of Primextra is recommended /ha.

4. Types of Fertilizer to Use

The following fertilizers and their rate/ha are recommended

• NPK 15:15:15–12 (50 kg) bags
• NPK 20:10:10–9 (50 kg) bags
• NPK 12:12:17–15 (50 kg) bags

Apply fertilizer 8 weeks after planting your cassava. Apply fertilizer in a ring, 6 cm wide and 10 cm from the plant or broadcast with care around the cassava plant, making sure the fertilizer does not touch the cassava stem or leaves.

Yield

Cassava Yield of 25 t/ha and above can be obtained with good agronomic practices and management.
Therefore, every step must be taken seriously in the process of planting your cassava.

Note

To reduce cost of production and attain high yields, it is recommended that land preparation be fully mechanized. A power tiller can be used if the total land area under cultivation is not more than 250ha.

 

This is a business you can access very quickly and easily. So, why not take advantage now and freestyle to the bank?

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Source: wealthresult