Cassava Farming Guide in Nigeria
Cassava Farming Guide in Nigeria: Everything You Need to Know to Succeed
Cassava is one of the most important root crops grown in Nigeria. In fact, Nigeria is the largest producer of cassava in the world, making it a key contributor to food security and the national economy. If you're looking to venture into cassava farming, you're on the right path. With the right knowledge, inputs, and timing, cassava farming can become a profitable and sustainable agribusiness.
In this guide, we will walk you through step-by-step how to start cassava farming in Nigeria, from land preparation to harvesting and marketing.
Why Cassava Farming?
Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is a versatile crop. It can be processed into garri, fufu, starch, flour, ethanol, and animal feed. The demand for cassava and its by-products continues to rise both locally and internationally. It is also drought-tolerant, which makes it suitable for many regions in Nigeria, including areas with less rainfall.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cassava Farming in Nigeria
1. Land Selection and Preparation
Choose a well-drained sandy loam soil rich in organic matter. Avoid waterlogged or clayey soils as cassava does not grow well in such conditions. The best time to prepare your land is between November and February, before the rainy season starts.
Steps to prepare the land:
- Clear the land of weeds and debris.
- Plough or till the soil to loosen it.
- Make ridges or mounds (ridges are best for mechanized farming, mounds for manual farming).
2. Select the Right Cassava Variety
Using the right cassava variety is essential for high yield and disease resistance. Consider improved varieties developed by institutions like IITA (International Institute of Tropical Agriculture) and NRCRI (National Root Crops Research Institute).
Popular high-yielding varieties include:
- TME 419
- TMS 30572
- NR 8082
- TMS 98/0505
These varieties mature faster (9–12 months), have high starch content, and are resistant to common diseases like mosaic virus.
3. Planting Cassava
Cassava is propagated using stem cuttings, not seeds. Select healthy stems from mature cassava plants (8–14 months old). Cut them into 20–25 cm long stakes, each with 5–7 nodes.
Planting tips:
- Space the cuttings 1 meter x 1 meter apart for better growth and easy harvesting.
- Insert the cutting at a 45-degree angle or vertically with two-thirds of the stem in the soil.
- Best time to plant is early in the rainy season (April–June).
4. Weed Control and Maintenance
Weeds compete with cassava for nutrients, so it’s important to keep the farm weed-free especially in the first 3 months.
Weed control methods:
- Manual weeding with hoe or cutlass (2–3 times before canopy cover).
- Mulching with dry grass or plant residue.
- Use of selective herbicides (only with proper knowledge or guidance).
Also apply fertilizer or organic compost if your soil lacks nutrients. A typical recommendation is NPK 15:15:15 (200 kg/ha) at 8 weeks after planting.
5. Pest and Disease Management
Cassava is relatively hardy but can be attacked by pests and diseases. Watch out for:
- Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD) – causes yellow patterns on leaves and reduces yield.
- Cassava Bacterial Blight – wilting and brown spots on leaves.
- Green mite and mealybug – cause leaf curling and stunted growth.
Prevention and control:
- Use disease-free stem cuttings.
- Plant resistant varieties.
- Practice crop rotation.
- Use natural pesticides or consult extension officers for safe chemical treatments.
6. Harvesting Cassava
Cassava can be harvested 9 to 12 months after planting, depending on the variety and purpose. Early harvesting (around 9 months) is good for fresh consumption, while longer periods produce starchier roots ideal for industrial processing.
To harvest:
- Loosen the soil gently with a hoe or digger.
- Pull the stem upward to uproot the tubers.
- Harvest carefully to avoid damaging the roots.
After harvesting, cassava should be processed or sold quickly as it deteriorates within 48–72 hours.
7. Processing and Marketing Cassava
- Garri
- Fufu
- Cassava flour
- Starch
- Ethanol
If you don’t plan to process, you can sell to processors or local markets. You can also target exporters, agro-industries, and food companies.
Marketing tips:
- Join a cassava farmers’ cooperative.
- Build relationships with local processors and bulk buyers.
- Use WhatsApp, Facebook, and agricultural forums to market your product.
Of course, profitability depends on:
- Location and soil quality
- Cost of labor
- Market access
- Weather conditions
Final Tips for Success
- 1. Start small, especially if you’re new to farming.
- 2. Work with local extension agents or agricultural advisors.
- 3. Keep records of your farm activities and costs.
- 4. Attend training workshops or webinars from agricultural bodies.
- 5. Always use quality planting materials.
Conclusion
Cassava farming in Nigeria offers a huge opportunity for farmers, investors, and agripreneurs. With a ready market, adaptable climate, and improved varieties, cassava can bring consistent income when managed properly.
This cassava farming guide should give you a strong foundation to start or scale your cassava farm. Whether you’re farming for food or business, cassava can be your path to prosperity.
Do you want to start a cassava farm? Share your questions or experiences in the comments below! And don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more farming tips.
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