Gov’t to introduce cassava pilot project

The Government is currently working on a pilot project to demonstrate the potential of cassava as a substitute for imported starches such as rice and flour.



Investment Officer for the Agricultural Support Services Project in the Agriculture Ministry, Dean Passard, said the project is expected to show the kind of yields that can be had from cassava cultivation.



Mr. Passard who is also coordinator for the initiative, said the project will also show what the perfect stand of cassava should look like, the best way to plant the crop and how to manage the crop.



He disclosed that the preparation of approximately 300 acres of land is far advanced and that planting will commence this month.



It is expected that the Rural Agricultural Development Authority’s Twickenham Bammy Factory will process the crops yielded.



Mr. Passard said the products would also be used in the public hospital system and correctional institutions, as a substitute for traditional starches.



He said it is expected that a $130 million profit will be made over the seven-year period for which the project is expected to last.