WHAT IS CASSAVA?
Cassava, also known as manihot esculenta, comes from the Euphorbiaceae family. It is a starchy plant that grows well in tropical regions all over the world. At full maturity, the plant can grow anywhere between eight and ten feet tall. Cassava is a staple food in many developing nations and is increasing in popularity in developed nations as well. Other names for the cassava plant and its derivates include tapioca, yuca, manioc, and mandioca. It comes in two varieties – sweet and bitter.
WHERE DO CASSAVAS COME FROM?
Cassava is native to South America. According to historical legend, cassava was first produced in Brazil. From there, the Portuguese traders transported the crop to other regions of the world. Today, you can find cassava not only in South America, but in the West Indies, Africa, and Asia as well.
WHO ARE THE BIGGEST EXPORTERS OF CASSAVAS IN THE WORLD?
The cassava trade grossed $2.11B in the year 2018. According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), the top exporting countries of cassava in the world are Thailand, Cambodia, and the United States, exporting $548M, $354M, and $216M dollars worth of cassava respectively. The fastest-growing markets for this plant when it comes to exports are the Netherlands, Egypt, Costa Rica, and Spain.
WHO ARE THE BIGGEST IMPORTERS OF CASSAVAS IN THE WORLD?
In 2019, the biggest importer of cassava is China, followed by Thailand, Vietnam, the Netherlands, and the United States who import $623M, $267M, $195M, $142M, and $127M dollars of cassava respectively. According to the OEC, the Netherlands has the fastest growing market when it comes to this plant, followed by the United States, Germany, France, and then Belgium. The demand for cassava is high and growing year after year.
HOW DO YOU GROW CASSAVAS?
To plant, Sandra Ansah from Kasoa, Ghana suggests that you dig a hole about four inches deep and place the stalk in the ground at an angle. Cassavas grow best in hot and sunny areas making it an ideal crop for dry and arid climates. Each stalk needs roughly three to four feet of space. You should plant the stalks in rows. As the plant grows it will produce leaves that populate the stalk and create a leafy crown at the top. The root is edible and is tubular in nature. In Ghana, cassava is a profitable business. You can make up to 10,000 GHC off of one acre of this vegetable alone.
HOW DO YOU HARVEST CASSAVAS?
In 6 – 10 months the cassava will be ready to harvest. Every part of the plant can be used. Once the root vegetable is harvested, the stem can be cut up and replanted. In this way, your investment will grow from year to year. The leaves can also be used as feed for your livestock. Cassavas have a short shelf life and should be consumed within one week of picking when kept at room temperature or within two weeks if kept in the refrigerator.
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH CASSAVAS?
Cassava has many uses. You can boil or bake cassava in a similar manner to potatoes or yams You can also ground the vegetable into flour and used for baking a number of dishes including bread, pancakes, and pasta. In addition, you can also make fufu with this vegetable. Fufu is a popular dish in the West African region, along with garri, another popular product made from this plant. In Asia, the starch is often extracted from this plant and made into tapioca – an ingredient used in puddings, pies, and the ever-popular Boba tea.
HOW DO YOU GET STARTED IN THE CASSAVA FARMING BUSINESS?
Cassava farming has a low cost to entry. You can usually obtain the stalks can be obtained for little or no cost. In addition, you can replant the stems from year-to-year. Not sure if this is the right agricultural industry for you? Learn more about other fruits, vegetables and plants that grow well in tropical regions. We would be happy to talk to you and your team about cultivating and selling this in-demand produce.
