OPPORTUNITIES IN CASSAVA FARMING
Today I would like to bring you a lesson about cassava cultivation. As usual, my biggest job is to make sure you succeed in the agricultural area, by bringing you the right education and various opportunities related to Agriculture. Last week we briefly highlighted the opportunity for Papaya cultivation. Today I would like to highlight the opportunity of cassava cultivation.
Did you know that China and Tanzania have signed a Cassava Market Agreement? If you don't know then let me explain it briefly. It is like this, China is one of the countries that use the cassava crop a lot. China has entered into an agreement with the Government of Tanzania for the cassava market, where Tanzania will have to sell one hundred thousand tons (100,000) of cassava to China per year. However, from the signing of the contract to today, one year has already passed. But for the first year, in Tanzania we managed to sell only 10,000 tons (equivalent to only 10% of the required amount). I recently heard the Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, Wang Ke saying, despite entering into an agreement with Tanzania to buy 100,000 tons of cassava per year, currently they only get 10,000 tons. He also advised the existence of cooperation between the government, the private sector and farmers so that more cassava can be produced.
Below I have provided you with a lesson on the principles of good cassava cultivation:
Introduction
Cassava is the most widely cultivated crop in the countries of the Sahara desert. In these countries, the cassava crop has continued to be a cultural crop as it has lacked the support of being recognized or given more emphasis by the leaders of these countries due to its many characteristics that other crops do not have. The cassava crop is one of the crops that is used as a commercial crop and at the same time it is a food crop. Many farmers have had a limited understanding of the best farming methods in producing large quantities of cassava. In Africa cassava is widely cultivated in Nigeria, Congo DRC, Zambia, Ghana and Tanzania. Here in Tanzania, cassava is grown in abundance in the regions of Mara, Mwanza, Kigoma, Mtwara, Lindi, Pwani, Ruvuna, Tanga, Morogoro, Shinyanga and other regions to a lesser extent. This crop has a high level of carbohydrates compared to grains (40 percent more than rice, 25 percent more than corn). Its leaves are used as vegetables and contain important nutrients, especially vitamin B and protein. In this country, its production is an average of seven million tons per year according to the available statistics. Most of the producers in this country are small farmers or groups of farmers who do not have education or understanding or expertise in the production of this product. This situation is what leads cassava crops or even many crops from African countries to lack competitiveness in international markets due to lack of quality or being produced in small quantities by a few small farmers.
This newsletter aims to provide guidance to small and large farmers, groups of farmers, extension officers and even investors who want to focus on producing cassava or cassava seeds for various uses in response to various challenges. This book will enable the reader to know step by step about the best and modern methods of cassava production. It is the hope of the authors that this newsletter makes a great contribution in changing the attitude of farmers and helping them to stop farming by habits and start farming based on the best principles of cassava cultivation which have been researched and which have already reached the stakeholders.
Basic Factors to Consider in Cassava Production.
In order to get more and better crops, it is important to observe the principles of good cassava cultivation as follows:-
Soil type and environment of cassava.
The cassava crop is one of the food and commercial crops that is drought tolerant and can survive even in soils that are not fertile enough where other crops such as Maize could not thrive. The most suitable temperature for the well-being of cassava is between 25-30 degrees Celsius. Cassava will die if the temperature drops to 10 degrees or below because it cannot tolerate severe cold, especially fog for a long time during its growth period. The annual rainfall acceptable for cassava is between 1000-1500 millimeters and especially during the first 3 months . Also, cassava needs light soil with a sandy and loamy nature that does not soak up water and thrives best at an altitude of 0-1000m from sea level.
Preparation of the field
The field is prepared by mowing, uprooting stumps and if necessary burning and cutting (washing) depending on the situation. After the field is clean, the planting follows. Cassava can be planted in ridges or ridges. Ridges are suitable in flat areas while ridges are used in flat or sloping land.
Selection of seeds and planting of cassava
Selection of seeds Usually, cassava is planted using pieces of cassava trees with a length of 20-35 cm. The cassava seed should not have less than three pods despite its length because that is the part where the roots and the stem sprouts. Select seeds from well matured stems with no signs of disease. Also in preparing the seeds, the upper and lower part of the cassava stem should not be planted. When choosing seeds, consider the following:
Choose the best seed with tolerance/resistance against diseases and pests
Choose the high-yielding seed Choose the seed
that is needed in the market
Choose the seed that can withstand a long time without spoiling before harvesting
When preparing the seeds, make sure the nodes (nodes) and the skin of the plant does not get damaged/damaged.
Planting cassava
The main ways to plant cassava are vertical, slanting or horizontal and horizontal. the level of immersing the seed is three quarters of the respective piece in vertical and horizontal ways. If the diagonal method is used, the seed should be laid and covered at the level of 10 cm, although 5 - 20 cm can also be used. 2.5 to 4 cm is the ideal thickness for cassava seeds. Plant on ridges or in ridges according to your farm's needs. The space between one line to another is 1 meter. The distance is also used between trunk and trunk. However, this distance can change up to 1.5 meters between rows and 1 meter between stems and stems if cassava is mixed with other crops such as peanuts, corn, nuts or pulses. If it is for the production of seeds, the dimensions are often reduced and even reach 0.5 by 0.5 meters. The cassava seed is well covered if the farmer does not use a sowing machine.
*Increasing cassava yields from 20-45t/ha starts from this difficult stage of care and seed care, so the farmer has to follow the recommended steps to increase the yield*
Planting cassava using machines/Planting machines
Planting cassava by using machines or special planting machines are often used in large farms (large scale farming). In Tanzania, this technology has not reached the majority of farmers even though there are institutions like IITA collaborating with the University of Agriculture (SUA) that have started to conduct research and experiments in this country. These machines are often enclosed and towed by a tractor with a power between 70-90 horsepower (hp).
Depending on the type of cassava sowing machine, cassava seeds are cut between 20 and 25 cm. The seeds should be of the same length and thickness. Experts have also developed special machines for cutting cassava seeds. Two or four people (depending on the type of machine) can sit at the back to do the entire planting exercise, such as the tractor driver, seed loaders and seeders in the machine
. Planting cassava does all the work at the same time, that is, it cuts the seeds in the same dimensions, plants them in the same dimensions, applies fertilizer, and covers the cassava seed. Often this type of machine can plant 3 to 6 hectares per day while those that are fed with pre-cut seeds can plant 7 to 10 hectares per day.
*Machines made for this work reduce labor costs. Mechanization is efficient and reduces planting costs by more than 50% versus hand planting. The high operating costs of these machines are still not friendly to the small farmer. Countries like Nigeria, Ghana and others have institutions that rent these machines to farmers at low cost*
Planting cassava and other crops (Intercropping)
There is no harm or harm in mixing cassava with other crops such as nuts, beans, corn and other legumes. Mixed cropping is a good use of land, prevents soil erosion, increases natural fertility, etc. Farmers are often advised to prepare ridges if they want to plant cassava and other crops. Cassava should be planted on the embankment and other crops should be planted on the side of the embankment and the distance between cassava seedbeds should be 1×1 meter to allow other crops to grow well. However, this plowing can also be done in fields where the space between the lines is not less than one and a half meters.
Planting seeds at the right time
Farmers are advised to plant cassava seeds at the right time to ensure a good harvest. The farmer is not advised to plant cassava when it is sunny/drought or when the rains end or where the depth of water in the ground is very low. This is because the seeds need a little moisture when they are planted to allow the seedlings to germinate and reduce attacks by ants. In reality, cassava should be planted in a period that will allow access to moisture for a period of at least two or three consecutive months.
The use of fertilizers or nutrients in the planting of cassava seeds
For a long time, the concept of using fertilizers in cassava cultivation was not familiar among many farmers. This was due to the absence of specific studies on the types and levels of fertilizer that should be used in cassava production. A project of the International Institute of Agriculture for tropical countries (IITA) under its SARD-SC project in collaboration with Agricultural research institutions under the Ministry of Agriculture in Tanzania, have been conducting research on the correct use of fertilizers in the production of cassava. Preliminary results show success in increasing cassava production when the right fertilizer is used in the right amounts. However, while the official results of these studies are still awaited, it is recommended that farmers continue to cultivate crop rotation with a combination of leguminous crops to increase natural fertility. For large farmers who need to invest a large amount, it is good to see the agricultural officials for advice to be able to use these fertilizers correctly to increase productivity.
Weed Control in Cassava
Weeds can reduce the ability of roots (cassava) to grow and produce by 40 to 70 percent. Some weeds can penetrate into cassava and leave openings that can allow disease-causing insects to enter easily, so weed control is important in reducing the possibility of cassava attacked by diseases. In a cassava farm, weeding takes up more than 60% of all the work from planting to harvesting and also takes up more than 40% of all production costs. To control weeds, cassava should be weeded at least 2 or 3 times and more depending on the condition of the field and the growth of weeds. Here we will look at the best, correct and cost-effective ways to deal with weeds in cassava fields. Weeds that attack cassava fields are divided into two main categories, seasonal weeds and perennial weeds.
The right time to weed the field
The field is weeded to allow cassava to grow well and to reduce the competition for nutrients between crops and weeds. Weeding should be done regularly until the cassava matures. The farmer is advised to make sure his field is free of weeds by weeding regularly, especially the first 4 months after planting. If the farm is new or located in a valley or in an environment with many reasons for weeds to grow, the farmer is advised to weed his field regularly every time weeds grow. For large farmers, machine-planted cassava is often weeded with special weeding machines.
Weed Control
There are three main methods of weed control: Biological, cultural/practical and chemical.
Biological: Dealing with weeds biologically means to prevent weeds from growing in the field by planting other plants.
Cultural/Practice: Better agricultural methods reduce the number or effects of weeds in plants. The most common methods are using a hand plow, burning, covering the field, applying fertilizers.
Chemicals: Weed control chemicals kill or completely destroy weeds. These drugs can be applied before plowing the field or immediately after preparing the field or a few months after planting. The use of chemicals helps to prevent or kill tough weeds that are difficult to remove by hand or a hand hoe, it also prevents the deterioration of cassava in the ground, and prevents weeds that grow rapidly. These chemicals can also be used before planting, during pre-emergence and after planting. In Tanzania, research is still ongoing regarding the correct use of these drugs in weed control, and preliminary results show that the use of chemicals in weed control reduces weeding costs by more than 50%. Developed countries often produce cassava, for industrial use, so they use chemicals to destroy weeds. In many African countries, most cassava is used for food and a very small amount is used in industries.
* Large farmers are advised to see the agricultural officers of the relevant part or IITA and other institutions for information and expertise on the use of chemicals in destroying weeds because education and expertise are needed in the correct use of these chemicals *
Control of diseases and insects
Cassava cultivation in Tanzania is facing the challenge of diseases of various kinds as in the case of other crops. Cassava is highly attacked by diseases and insects. These insects are cassava green mite, aphids, whiteflies, and ants. In terms of diseases, cassava is more attacked by leafhoppers, root rot and brown streaks. Together, diseases and insects can cause more than 50% yield loss in cassava. The main reason for the persistence of these diseases is the frequent use of low-quality seeds that can be resistant to diseases and pests such as CMD, which infects Batobato Brown streaks more than 81% through seeds with
parasites of this disease. The symptoms of this disease are; Spots on the leaves, the leaves curl and lose their shape, the leaves become harder than usual, the plant stagnates, and the plant withers and eventually dies. Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) in Tanzania is seen more in the Indian Ocean region such as Mtwara, Pwani, Lindi although recently this disease has also been seen in the Lake Region such as Kigoma, Ukerewe and the edge of Lake Victoria. Symptoms of brown streak disease on cassava plant leaves are; brown streaks or brown patches on the vein lines, the plant stagnates and withers. On the other hand, the symptoms of this disease in the roots or the root itself are; The brown color of the cassava when it is cut and the cassava loses its shape. Due to the existence of the main diseases mentioned above, the following is important to be considered in order to control diseases in cassava:
Using the best seeds with resistance to the mentioned diseases as researched by various agricultural research institutions.
Facilitating the availability of good resistant seeds by establishing seed production farms in various areas.
Stop using old seeds that are already heavily affected by these diseases.
To take good care of their cassava fields (proper farm management). Many farmers think that once planted, muhogouka does not need care, so they abandon the fields and rely on a large harvest.
Choose seeds without disease transmission.
Uproot and burn all plants affected by diseases while still in the field.
Burning or burning all affected plants immediately after harvesting.
Isolate the cassava field at least 50 meters away from other cassava fields that are affected.
Plant cassava in time.
Taking care of the cassava field by regular weeding especially the first four months immediately after planting.
Early harvesting of cassava can reduce losses due to diseases.
* There are other diseases that also attack the cassava crop in the fields such as; leaves with a brown mark (Brown leaf spot), Leaves with a white mark (White leaf spot) etc. but they are not very harmful economically. The main thing is for farmers to inspect the fields regularly to see if there are attacks and take precautions early by uprooting the plant and throwing it away or reaching it completely, because there are no drugs for these diseases.
Finally
, cassava is known to be one of the easiest crops to grow. to cultivate it even though many farmers do not have an understanding of the best and correct methods of caring for the cassava field. In many cases, cassava has been planted on unsuitable, infertile land, but the farmer is still able to harvest, although not on a large scale. It has come to a time when farmers and other stakeholders appreciated the cassava crop by planting in good and fertile soil to increase yield. On the other hand, a good yield of cassava depends on good and disease-resistant seeds, planted on time, a well-maintained field by weeding whenever weeds occur and inspecting the field regularly. Since cassava cultivation is largely dependent on rain, late planting can cause cassava to fail to grow or grow poorly. Cassava planted on time and properly cared for produces abundant and good crops and that is the best cassava cultivation. In order to get good results in cassava cultivation, it is important for farmers to follow the principles of good cassava cultivation from the preparation of the field to the growth of cassava. Good farming practices begin with selecting clean, disease-resistant, high-yielding seeds and obtaining seeds from well-matured cassava plants. Small-scale farmers should seek advice and various services from experts in cassava cultivation, just like breeders do. The use of machines and chemicals in planting and destroying weeds are new technologies that many cassava farmers have not started using in this country. It is our opinion for the government, various institutions and development stakeholders to invest in machines to reduce the burden of servicing cassava fields and the use of chemicals in growing and destroying weeds. Together, the farmer can completely get rid of the hand plow which is not productive for the needs of the cassava crop because even the countries of the Asian continent have started coming to Tanzania to look for cassava.
Cassava farming is the solution to the problem of hunger, population growth and climate change here in Tanzania! Cassava money, cassava is food!
Today I would like to bring you a lesson about cassava cultivation. As usual, my biggest job is to make sure you succeed in the agricultural area, by bringing you the right education and various opportunities related to Agriculture. Last week we briefly highlighted the opportunity for Papaya cultivation. Today I would like to highlight the opportunity of cassava cultivation.
Did you know that China and Tanzania have signed a Cassava Market Agreement? If you don't know then let me explain it briefly. It is like this, China is one of the countries that use the cassava crop a lot. China has entered into an agreement with the Government of Tanzania for the cassava market, where Tanzania will have to sell one hundred thousand tons (100,000) of cassava to China per year. However, from the signing of the contract to today, one year has already passed. But for the first year, in Tanzania we managed to sell only 10,000 tons (equivalent to only 10% of the required amount). I recently heard the Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, Wang Ke saying, despite entering into an agreement with Tanzania to buy 100,000 tons of cassava per year, currently they only get 10,000 tons. He also advised the existence of cooperation between the government, the private sector and farmers so that more cassava can be produced.
Below I have provided you with a lesson on the principles of good cassava cultivation:
Introduction
Cassava is the most widely cultivated crop in the countries of the Sahara desert. In these countries, the cassava crop has continued to be a cultural crop as it has lacked the support of being recognized or given more emphasis by the leaders of these countries due to its many characteristics that other crops do not have. The cassava crop is one of the crops that is used as a commercial crop and at the same time it is a food crop. Many farmers have had a limited understanding of the best farming methods in producing large quantities of cassava. In Africa cassava is widely cultivated in Nigeria, Congo DRC, Zambia, Ghana and Tanzania. Here in Tanzania, cassava is grown in abundance in the regions of Mara, Mwanza, Kigoma, Mtwara, Lindi, Pwani, Ruvuna, Tanga, Morogoro, Shinyanga and other regions to a lesser extent. This crop has a high level of carbohydrates compared to grains (40 percent more than rice, 25 percent more than corn). Its leaves are used as vegetables and contain important nutrients, especially vitamin B and protein. In this country, its production is an average of seven million tons per year according to the available statistics. Most of the producers in this country are small farmers or groups of farmers who do not have education or understanding or expertise in the production of this product. This situation is what leads cassava crops or even many crops from African countries to lack competitiveness in international markets due to lack of quality or being produced in small quantities by a few small farmers.
This newsletter aims to provide guidance to small and large farmers, groups of farmers, extension officers and even investors who want to focus on producing cassava or cassava seeds for various uses in response to various challenges. This book will enable the reader to know step by step about the best and modern methods of cassava production. It is the hope of the authors that this newsletter makes a great contribution in changing the attitude of farmers and helping them to stop farming by habits and start farming based on the best principles of cassava cultivation which have been researched and which have already reached the stakeholders.
Basic Factors to Consider in Cassava Production.
In order to get more and better crops, it is important to observe the principles of good cassava cultivation as follows:-
Soil type and environment of cassava.
The cassava crop is one of the food and commercial crops that is drought tolerant and can survive even in soils that are not fertile enough where other crops such as Maize could not thrive. The most suitable temperature for the well-being of cassava is between 25-30 degrees Celsius. Cassava will die if the temperature drops to 10 degrees or below because it cannot tolerate severe cold, especially fog for a long time during its growth period. The annual rainfall acceptable for cassava is between 1000-1500 millimeters and especially during the first 3 months . Also, cassava needs light soil with a sandy and loamy nature that does not soak up water and thrives best at an altitude of 0-1000m from sea level.
Preparation of the field
The field is prepared by mowing, uprooting stumps and if necessary burning and cutting (washing) depending on the situation. After the field is clean, the planting follows. Cassava can be planted in ridges or ridges. Ridges are suitable in flat areas while ridges are used in flat or sloping land.
Selection of seeds and planting of cassava
Selection of seeds Usually, cassava is planted using pieces of cassava trees with a length of 20-35 cm. The cassava seed should not have less than three pods despite its length because that is the part where the roots and the stem sprouts. Select seeds from well matured stems with no signs of disease. Also in preparing the seeds, the upper and lower part of the cassava stem should not be planted. When choosing seeds, consider the following:
Choose the best seed with tolerance/resistance against diseases and pests
Choose the high-yielding seed Choose the seed
that is needed in the market
Choose the seed that can withstand a long time without spoiling before harvesting
When preparing the seeds, make sure the nodes (nodes) and the skin of the plant does not get damaged/damaged.
Planting cassava
The main ways to plant cassava are vertical, slanting or horizontal and horizontal. the level of immersing the seed is three quarters of the respective piece in vertical and horizontal ways. If the diagonal method is used, the seed should be laid and covered at the level of 10 cm, although 5 - 20 cm can also be used. 2.5 to 4 cm is the ideal thickness for cassava seeds. Plant on ridges or in ridges according to your farm's needs. The space between one line to another is 1 meter. The distance is also used between trunk and trunk. However, this distance can change up to 1.5 meters between rows and 1 meter between stems and stems if cassava is mixed with other crops such as peanuts, corn, nuts or pulses. If it is for the production of seeds, the dimensions are often reduced and even reach 0.5 by 0.5 meters. The cassava seed is well covered if the farmer does not use a sowing machine.
*Increasing cassava yields from 20-45t/ha starts from this difficult stage of care and seed care, so the farmer has to follow the recommended steps to increase the yield*
Planting cassava using machines/Planting machines
Planting cassava by using machines or special planting machines are often used in large farms (large scale farming). In Tanzania, this technology has not reached the majority of farmers even though there are institutions like IITA collaborating with the University of Agriculture (SUA) that have started to conduct research and experiments in this country. These machines are often enclosed and towed by a tractor with a power between 70-90 horsepower (hp).
Depending on the type of cassava sowing machine, cassava seeds are cut between 20 and 25 cm. The seeds should be of the same length and thickness. Experts have also developed special machines for cutting cassava seeds. Two or four people (depending on the type of machine) can sit at the back to do the entire planting exercise, such as the tractor driver, seed loaders and seeders in the machine
. Planting cassava does all the work at the same time, that is, it cuts the seeds in the same dimensions, plants them in the same dimensions, applies fertilizer, and covers the cassava seed. Often this type of machine can plant 3 to 6 hectares per day while those that are fed with pre-cut seeds can plant 7 to 10 hectares per day.
*Machines made for this work reduce labor costs. Mechanization is efficient and reduces planting costs by more than 50% versus hand planting. The high operating costs of these machines are still not friendly to the small farmer. Countries like Nigeria, Ghana and others have institutions that rent these machines to farmers at low cost*
Planting cassava and other crops (Intercropping)
There is no harm or harm in mixing cassava with other crops such as nuts, beans, corn and other legumes. Mixed cropping is a good use of land, prevents soil erosion, increases natural fertility, etc. Farmers are often advised to prepare ridges if they want to plant cassava and other crops. Cassava should be planted on the embankment and other crops should be planted on the side of the embankment and the distance between cassava seedbeds should be 1×1 meter to allow other crops to grow well. However, this plowing can also be done in fields where the space between the lines is not less than one and a half meters.
Planting seeds at the right time
Farmers are advised to plant cassava seeds at the right time to ensure a good harvest. The farmer is not advised to plant cassava when it is sunny/drought or when the rains end or where the depth of water in the ground is very low. This is because the seeds need a little moisture when they are planted to allow the seedlings to germinate and reduce attacks by ants. In reality, cassava should be planted in a period that will allow access to moisture for a period of at least two or three consecutive months.
The use of fertilizers or nutrients in the planting of cassava seeds
For a long time, the concept of using fertilizers in cassava cultivation was not familiar among many farmers. This was due to the absence of specific studies on the types and levels of fertilizer that should be used in cassava production. A project of the International Institute of Agriculture for tropical countries (IITA) under its SARD-SC project in collaboration with Agricultural research institutions under the Ministry of Agriculture in Tanzania, have been conducting research on the correct use of fertilizers in the production of cassava. Preliminary results show success in increasing cassava production when the right fertilizer is used in the right amounts. However, while the official results of these studies are still awaited, it is recommended that farmers continue to cultivate crop rotation with a combination of leguminous crops to increase natural fertility. For large farmers who need to invest a large amount, it is good to see the agricultural officials for advice to be able to use these fertilizers correctly to increase productivity.
Weed Control in Cassava
Weeds can reduce the ability of roots (cassava) to grow and produce by 40 to 70 percent. Some weeds can penetrate into cassava and leave openings that can allow disease-causing insects to enter easily, so weed control is important in reducing the possibility of cassava attacked by diseases. In a cassava farm, weeding takes up more than 60% of all the work from planting to harvesting and also takes up more than 40% of all production costs. To control weeds, cassava should be weeded at least 2 or 3 times and more depending on the condition of the field and the growth of weeds. Here we will look at the best, correct and cost-effective ways to deal with weeds in cassava fields. Weeds that attack cassava fields are divided into two main categories, seasonal weeds and perennial weeds.
The right time to weed the field
The field is weeded to allow cassava to grow well and to reduce the competition for nutrients between crops and weeds. Weeding should be done regularly until the cassava matures. The farmer is advised to make sure his field is free of weeds by weeding regularly, especially the first 4 months after planting. If the farm is new or located in a valley or in an environment with many reasons for weeds to grow, the farmer is advised to weed his field regularly every time weeds grow. For large farmers, machine-planted cassava is often weeded with special weeding machines.
Weed Control
There are three main methods of weed control: Biological, cultural/practical and chemical.
Biological: Dealing with weeds biologically means to prevent weeds from growing in the field by planting other plants.
Cultural/Practice: Better agricultural methods reduce the number or effects of weeds in plants. The most common methods are using a hand plow, burning, covering the field, applying fertilizers.
Chemicals: Weed control chemicals kill or completely destroy weeds. These drugs can be applied before plowing the field or immediately after preparing the field or a few months after planting. The use of chemicals helps to prevent or kill tough weeds that are difficult to remove by hand or a hand hoe, it also prevents the deterioration of cassava in the ground, and prevents weeds that grow rapidly. These chemicals can also be used before planting, during pre-emergence and after planting. In Tanzania, research is still ongoing regarding the correct use of these drugs in weed control, and preliminary results show that the use of chemicals in weed control reduces weeding costs by more than 50%. Developed countries often produce cassava, for industrial use, so they use chemicals to destroy weeds. In many African countries, most cassava is used for food and a very small amount is used in industries.
* Large farmers are advised to see the agricultural officers of the relevant part or IITA and other institutions for information and expertise on the use of chemicals in destroying weeds because education and expertise are needed in the correct use of these chemicals *
Control of diseases and insects
Cassava cultivation in Tanzania is facing the challenge of diseases of various kinds as in the case of other crops. Cassava is highly attacked by diseases and insects. These insects are cassava green mite, aphids, whiteflies, and ants. In terms of diseases, cassava is more attacked by leafhoppers, root rot and brown streaks. Together, diseases and insects can cause more than 50% yield loss in cassava. The main reason for the persistence of these diseases is the frequent use of low-quality seeds that can be resistant to diseases and pests such as CMD, which infects Batobato Brown streaks more than 81% through seeds with
parasites of this disease. The symptoms of this disease are; Spots on the leaves, the leaves curl and lose their shape, the leaves become harder than usual, the plant stagnates, and the plant withers and eventually dies. Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) in Tanzania is seen more in the Indian Ocean region such as Mtwara, Pwani, Lindi although recently this disease has also been seen in the Lake Region such as Kigoma, Ukerewe and the edge of Lake Victoria. Symptoms of brown streak disease on cassava plant leaves are; brown streaks or brown patches on the vein lines, the plant stagnates and withers. On the other hand, the symptoms of this disease in the roots or the root itself are; The brown color of the cassava when it is cut and the cassava loses its shape. Due to the existence of the main diseases mentioned above, the following is important to be considered in order to control diseases in cassava:
Using the best seeds with resistance to the mentioned diseases as researched by various agricultural research institutions.
Facilitating the availability of good resistant seeds by establishing seed production farms in various areas.
Stop using old seeds that are already heavily affected by these diseases.
To take good care of their cassava fields (proper farm management). Many farmers think that once planted, muhogouka does not need care, so they abandon the fields and rely on a large harvest.
Choose seeds without disease transmission.
Uproot and burn all plants affected by diseases while still in the field.
Burning or burning all affected plants immediately after harvesting.
Isolate the cassava field at least 50 meters away from other cassava fields that are affected.
Plant cassava in time.
Taking care of the cassava field by regular weeding especially the first four months immediately after planting.
Early harvesting of cassava can reduce losses due to diseases.
* There are other diseases that also attack the cassava crop in the fields such as; leaves with a brown mark (Brown leaf spot), Leaves with a white mark (White leaf spot) etc. but they are not very harmful economically. The main thing is for farmers to inspect the fields regularly to see if there are attacks and take precautions early by uprooting the plant and throwing it away or reaching it completely, because there are no drugs for these diseases.
Finally
, cassava is known to be one of the easiest crops to grow. to cultivate it even though many farmers do not have an understanding of the best and correct methods of caring for the cassava field. In many cases, cassava has been planted on unsuitable, infertile land, but the farmer is still able to harvest, although not on a large scale. It has come to a time when farmers and other stakeholders appreciated the cassava crop by planting in good and fertile soil to increase yield. On the other hand, a good yield of cassava depends on good and disease-resistant seeds, planted on time, a well-maintained field by weeding whenever weeds occur and inspecting the field regularly. Since cassava cultivation is largely dependent on rain, late planting can cause cassava to fail to grow or grow poorly. Cassava planted on time and properly cared for produces abundant and good crops and that is the best cassava cultivation. In order to get good results in cassava cultivation, it is important for farmers to follow the principles of good cassava cultivation from the preparation of the field to the growth of cassava. Good farming practices begin with selecting clean, disease-resistant, high-yielding seeds and obtaining seeds from well-matured cassava plants. Small-scale farmers should seek advice and various services from experts in cassava cultivation, just like breeders do. The use of machines and chemicals in planting and destroying weeds are new technologies that many cassava farmers have not started using in this country. It is our opinion for the government, various institutions and development stakeholders to invest in machines to reduce the burden of servicing cassava fields and the use of chemicals in growing and destroying weeds. Together, the farmer can completely get rid of the hand plow which is not productive for the needs of the cassava crop because even the countries of the Asian continent have started coming to Tanzania to look for cassava.
Cassava farming is the solution to the problem of hunger, population growth and climate change here in Tanzania! Cassava money, cassava is food!