CASSAVA IS THE SECOND MOST IMPORTANT STAPLE

By NOEL IYOMBWA IN CHITAMBO

Cassava is the second most important staple crop after maize for Zambia from Maize and majority production is utilized as human food.

Increased volumes of dried cassava chips and flour have been used as raw material in the feed, textile, wood and paper industries.

Cassava is an important food security crop that can stimulate increased economic and rural development serving as a direct response to the crop diversification strategy encouraged by government through the ministry of agriculture.

Cassava is mostly grown in Northern, Luapula, Western and some parts of  Central provinces of Zambia mainly forconsumption.

However recently Zambian Breweries has been engaging Cassava farmers for its production hence medium-scale cassava farmers are beginning to emerge.

A Chitambo based farmer in Mwembeshi area of Chief Muchinkas area Mike Kachinga saidthat the recent outbreak of a disease affecting Cassava plant has not spared the Cassava production in Chitambo.

He said that though in Central province, Chitambo has had a share of Cassava production in the country.

He said that the outbreak of the disease affecting the crop has discouraged many farmers.

Mr. Kachinga observes that Cassava is a lucrative crop but that lack of information among farmers has led to low yields for the crop.

He advised that it is necessary that local farmers plant healthy stem cuttings as planting materials.

The farmer stated that before engaging in Cassava five years ago production here searched from the ministry of agriculture on some common diseases found in Zambia.

He explained that some of the disease included cassava mosaic disease, cassava brown streak, anthracnose disease and cassava bacterial blight.

“In terms of crop rotation, cassava is interchangeable with sweet potatoes and often grown after fields which are planted after maize.

“Farmers should ensure that they Plant cassava in rows that are around 3-4 feet apart.

“Although cassava plants produce their best harvest if they get exposure to sunlight, direct sun light can cause leaf burn so a partial shade environment would be better.

“Cassava is highly tolerant of a wide range of soils, a sandy like the one we have herein Chitambo works well.

“Fertilization isn't necessary if you have planted your cassava in soil that is rich inorganic matter such as natural manure, but appropriate additional fertilizer can improve the yield that a farmer will get, “he said.

Mr. Kachinga said that fertilization application is similar to those of the sweet potatoes.

He explained that Cassava tolerate periods of drought and also heavy summer  stagnant rain water can cause root rot, hence if the farmer is located in water logged area the soil needs to have excellent drainage.

Mr. Kachinga said that though he grows Cassava mainly for sale within the district he is also into other crop production such as Soya beans and maize.

He however regretted that most of the cassava that is produced in Zambia is produced based on traditional knowledge that is passed on from generation to generation adding the government should come in and sensitize farmers of the science methods of growing the crop to maximize yields.

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