Cassava |
| Posted by Abuja (admin) on Wednesday, 9th January, 2008 at 3:53 AM |
Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is a perennial shrub with an edible root, which grows in tropical and subtropical part of the world. It has the ability to grow on marginal land where cereals and other crops do not grow well. According to the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, the crop can tolerate drought and can grow in low-nutrient soils. Cassava has the capability of being stored in the ground for up to 24 months before harvesting and this makes it possible for farmers to avoid adverse movement in its price.
Cassava is grown in almost in all parts of Nigeria. However, it is grown more in the southern part of the country that in the northern part. Nigeria produced 36.795 MT of cassava in 2000, 37.949 MT in 2001, 39.410 MT in 2002, 41.814 MT in 2003 and 44.693 MT in 2004. Annually, Nigeria produces over 19% of the total world output and close to 40% of cassava output in Africa.
Of the 16.8 million hectares planted with cassava throughout the world in 2000; about 64% of it was in sub-Saharan Africa.
Uses
Human consumption
Production of Animal feeds
Production of Starch based products
Production of Ethanol for use as fuel
Production of Hydrogen Cyanide
