Cassava is a staple crop in many West African countries, and it is usually propagated through stem cutting. cultivating cassava is the major agriculture commodities in the eastern part of Nigeria. During the planting season, usually late February to July, millions of farmers across sub sahara africa usually cultivate cassava as their stable farm product and that is why today i will like to show prospective farms on how to go about planting cassava stems these farming season. There are few steps to engage on when you want to grow cassava on the farm after clearing and making moulds with shovels or hoes as the case might be.
Select healthy cassava stems:.Choose stems that are about 20-25 cm in length, with at least 5-6 nodes. Nodes are the bumps on the stem where leaves emerge.
Prepare the planting site: Clear the land of weeds and debris, and prepare the soil by loosening it and adding organic matter such as compost or manure.
Cut the stems: Cut the selected cassava stems into 20-25 cm lengths, making sure each stem has at least 5-6 nodes.
Plant the stems: Plant the stems vertically in rows, with a spacing of about 1 meter between each plant and 1.5 meters between each row. Plant the stems to a depth of about 5 cm, making sure that at least one node is buried in the soil.
Water the stems: Water the newly planted stems thoroughly, making sure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged, especially in areas where there is low or likited rainfall
Weed and fertilize: Weed the planting site regularly to keep it free of weeds. Fertilize the plants with nitrogen-rich fertilizer about 6-8 weeks after planting to encourage growth.
Harvest the cassava: Harvest the cassava roots about 8-12 months after planting, when the leaves start to turn yellow and fall off. To harvest the roots, dig them out of the soil using a hoe or other digging tool.
Cassava is a hardy crop that can withstand drought and poor soil conditions, but it is important to plant it in well-drained soil with sufficient organic matter to ensure optimal growth. It is also important to weed the planting site regularly and protect the plants from pests and diseases. With proper care, cassava can be a reliable source of food and income for small-scale farmers in West Africa.