History, current status and potential of cassava use in Asia
1992
Bottema, J.W.T. | Henry, G.
In Thailand, Indonesia, India, Viet Nam, China, and the Philippines cassava established itself firmly and now covers considerable area and generates income for smallholders, large farmers, processors, manufacturers, and traders. Yield development shows significant diversity in the region. India shows consistent productivity at 17-19 t/ha. In Indonesia yield is increasing, whereas yield in Thailand shows substantial fluctuation. Even more pronounced diversity can be observed with regard to use of cassava. The cassava economy in Thailand is entirely based on export, while in India the proportions human food-animal feed/industrial use are about equal. In Indonesia 70 percent is used in human consumption and 12 percent is exported. In contrast, the Philippines shows a much larger proportion of cassava used for feed of over 50 percent while 30 percent is used in industry. The stability of cassava development depends to a large extent on the degree of diversification in demand. The Thai cassava economy depends largely on price development in international markets, of which the present EC import quota still constitute an important part. However, with sustained economic growth in the region, demand for livestock products has risen. Cassava flour could also partially substitute wheat flour which would add to diversification of demand. However, it should not be forgotten that the proportionally most important use in the region of cassava remains human consumption, which underlines its importance as a security food. The diversity in use and subsequent commercialization of production is the main characteristic of cassava in Asia.
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