Homegrown cassava: Solution to rising garri prices

By Temitope Adebayo

With the prices of cassava flakes popularly called ‘GarriMOTOLANI ‘ and other cassava foods rising in Nigeria, many families are looking for a simple solution: growing cassava in their backyards. Planting it at home can help reduce costs and ensure a steady supply.

Cassava, a staple food crop in Nigeria, has seen price hikes due to various factors including inflation, transportation costs, and fluctuating market demands. However, by cultivating cassava in their backyards, families can combat these rising costs while ensuring a steady supply of this essential food.

Benefits of Backyard Cassava Farming

Save Money: Growing cassava at home means you don’t have to rely on buying it at high market prices; Food Security: You can always have cassava available, reducing the worry of shortages; Healthy Diet: Cassava is rich in carbohydrates and provides essential energy; And Community Strength: When more people grow their food, communities become stronger and more self-sufficient.

Steps to Cultivate Cassava at Home

Selecting the Right Variety: Choose cassava varieties that are well-suited to your local climate and soil conditions. Popular varieties in Nigeria include TMS 30572 and NR 8082, known for their high yield and disease resistance.

Preparing the Soil: Cassava thrives in well-drained, loamy soils. Clear the land of weeds and debris, and till the soil to a depth of about 30 cm. Adding organic matter such as compost or manure can improve soil fertility.

Planting: Cassava is typically grown from stem cuttings. Cut healthy stems into 20-25 cm long pieces, ensuring each piece has at least 3-5 nodes. Plant the cuttings at an angle, burying them halfway into the soil, and space them about 1 meter apart to allow for proper growth.

Maintenance: Cassava requires minimal maintenance. Water the plants regularly, especially during dry periods, but avoid waterlogging. Mulching can help retain soil moisture and control weeds. Regularly check for pests and diseases, and take appropriate action if needed.

Harvesting: Cassava roots can be harvested between 6 to 12 months after planting, depending on the variety. To harvest, carefully dig around the base of the plant and lift the roots out of the soil. Fresh cassava roots should be processed immediately to prevent spoilage.

Processing Cassava at Home

Garri Production: Peel the harvested cassava roots and grate them. The grated cassava is then fermented for a few days, depending on the desired taste. After fermentation, squeeze out the excess liquid using a press. The remaining pulp is then roasted in a large pan until it becomes dry and crumbly Garri.

Other Cassava Products: Cassava can also be processed into fufu, tapioca, and various flour products, providing versatile food options for the household.

Challenges and Considerations

While backyard cassava farming is highly beneficial, it’s important to be aware of potential challenges. These include pest and disease management, ensuring sufficient space and sunlight, and the initial time investment required to prepare and maintain the farm.

Government and Community Support

The Nigerian government and various agricultural organizations are encouraging urban and rural households to adopt backyard farming. Initiatives such as free distribution of high-yield cassava cuttings, training programs on sustainable farming practices, and support groups for small-scale farmers are making it easier for families to start their farms.

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Growing cassava in your backyard can help reduce the cost of Garri and other cassava foods. It also improves food security and strengthens communities. With a little effort, families can enjoy the benefits of home-grown cassava and become more self-sufficient.

As more Nigerians embrace this practice, it could lead to greater resilience and self-sufficiency across communities.