Wuraola Ademola-Shanu

Cassava Production in Nigeria: Step by Step Guide With recession crippling Nigeria’s economy, it is disheartening to see a lot of Nigerians going to their beds on empty stomach. As a result of increase in food products, Nigeria has recorded an increase in starvation and malnutrition, ultimately leading many people to steal. Formerly, Garri was referred to as the food for the poor. However, looking at the present situation of the economy, the tune’s changed. Garri is now a meal consumed by the rich and middle class fortunate to afford it. This leads to the question, why suffer when we are sitting right on a potential cash goldmine? Cassava production flourishes in West African countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Benin Republic and Cameroon. Cassava production in Nigeria is a potential successful investment. This is because there is hardly a Nigerian who doesn’t consume cassava products; in which garri is the most popular. Cassava can be processed into a variety of products including starch, flour, ethanol, chips, glucose syrup and bread. These products are in high demand and will therefore bring in a steady cash flow for anyone who ventures into cassava production in Nigeria. If you are smart and you are thinking of how to become financially independent, cassava production might just be an agribusiness venture you might explore. The following are steps to take to achieve a successful cassava production business in Nigeria: Step 1: Selecting a Land If you are serious about venturing into cassava production in Nigeria, it is pertinent that you select a site that has an accessible well-drained fertile soil. Even though forest lands in the South Western parts are reputed to be fertile for cassava production, you might need to take the sample of the soil to IITA to help determine how suitable the soil is in order to achieve high yield Step 2: Selecting Cassava Varieties To achieve a successful cassava production in Nigeria, the following cassava varieties are recommended based on their high yield and processing quality: TMS 30572, NR 8082, NR8083, TMS 4(2) 1425, TMS 81/00110, and TMS 92/0326. Also, to know or inquire about an additional 10 cassava varieties yet to be released, you can consult cassava production specialists in Ibadan. Step 3: Land Preparation and Planting To prepare the land for your cassava production, it is recommended that you use a total herbicide such as Round up (a glyphosate) should be applied at the rate of 4-5l/ha 10 days before land preparation. To save cost and achieve maximum plant population of your cassava, it is best that you adopt mechanization and planting on ridges. Step 4: Liming It is advisable that 5(50 kg) bags of agricultural lime be applied when you are preparing the land. Step 5: Planting and Planting Materials The following information should be known as regards planting cassava: 1. To start planting your cassava, begin by April and extend it to October (depends on your choice) 2. The recommended quantity of cassava for one hectare of land is 60 bundles of cassava stem. 3. Cassava stem cuttings measured at 25cm in length should be planted at a spacing of 1m x 1m. 4. To achieve a perfect cassava production, ensure you remove and replace dead stems. Step 6: Weeding Weeding is necessary to alienate unnecessary plants from stunting the growth of your cassava plants. Note that if you didn’t apply herbicide to the cassava plantation before land preparation, it is recommended that you use a pre-emergence herbicide which must be applied within three days after planting. Five liters of Primextra is advisable per hectare. Step7: Fertilizer Type, Usage and Rate The following are recommended fertilizers to use to achieve optimum cassava plantation in Nigeria. NPK 15:15:15–12 (50 kg) bags NPK 20:10:10–9 (50 kg) bags NPK 12:12:17–15 (50 kg) bags Note that the fertilizers listed above should be applied at exactly 8 weeks after planting your cassava. To use, apply the fertilizers in a ring, 6cm in width and 10cm from the cassava plants. Distribute the fertilizers with care and ensure that the fertilizer does not touch the stems or leaves of the cassava. Step 8: Marketing While waiting for your cassava to grow and be matured for harvesting, now is the time to advertise your business. It won’t be pleasant to wait till harvesting before you attract the attention of your customers. Approach companies that produce cassava flours and chips, bakeries, and even the local market women. The profits derivable cassava production in Nigeria is enormous. It all depends on how you market your cassava tubers. Additionally, if your cassava tubers are of high quality, your customers will most likely come back for more and help you market your produce to potential customers. Step 9: Yield If every step in this article is followed with precision, it is possible to achieve a cassava yield of 25 tubers per hectare or even more. Also, note that to achieve a successful cassava production in Nigeria, you need to apply good agronomic practices and management. Extra Tips: Having perused through the necessary steps to achieve successful cassava production in Nigeria, the following additional tips will help you minimize costs and maximize profits. If the total land for cultivation is not greater than 250 hectares, a power tiller can be used. Below is a sample of production cost for one hectare of land. These figures will serve as a guide when you venture into cassava production in Nigeria. Land preparation ……………………………………………………… N10, 000.00 Cassava cuttings (60 bundles @ N300/bundle) ………………N18, 000.00 Planting (4 persons at N1000/per day) …………………………………..N4, 000.00 Pre-emergence herbicides (5 liters at N1000/l) ………………..N5, 000.00 Fertilizer (20:10:10, 9 bags at N2500/bag) ……………………..N22, 000.00 Insecticides (2 liters at N1000/l) ……………………………………N3, 000.00 Herbicides application ……………………………………………….N3, 000.00 Application of insecticide ………………………………………………N 3,000.00 Application of fertilizers (4 persons at N1, 000/per day) ……………..N4, 000.00 Weeding (10 persons at N1, 000/per day) …. ……………………..N10, 000.00 Harvesting (15 persons at N1, 500/per day). …………………………….N17, 500.00 Total ……………………………………………………………………….. N100, 000. Note: These figures might vary based on farm location. Capital investments such as tractors or power tillers, knapsack or boom sprayers, stem cutters, planters and harvesters are not included in the sample production cost. Using planters and harvesters will help minimize manual labor and cut down cost. With these tips, you are definitely going to achieve a successful cassava production in Nigeria and smile to the bank.