Cassava cultivation demonstration and seed distribution among farmers in BAU

Cassava is an alternative to sugary food and a more productive crop. Recently, by researching cassava, Professor Dr Md. Solaiman Ali Fakir of the crop botany department of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) has prepared various delicious foods, including chips, cakes, halwa, bread, boiled cassava potatoes, oil cakes, and animal feed.

On Wednesday (April 24), at 4 p.m., the farmers in the Department of Crop Botany meeting room were invited to an exhibition about the cultivation of cassava and its various nutritional qualities. During this time, cassava production, processing, and use were demonstrated, and seeds were distributed.

Prof. Dr Shahanara Begum, the head of the crop botany department, Prof. Dr A. K. M. Azad-ud-Doula Pradhan, Ishtiaq Hossain, Councilor of Ward No. 21 of Mymensingh, and farmers of the Mymensingh region were present at the exhibition.

Chief researcher Prof Dr Md. Solaiman Ali Fakir said cassava is an African crop. It is highly productive and yields better than other crops in drought-tolerant soils. 

In addition, cassava yields well on hill slopes, high land, field lanes, and even fallow land. Cultivation of potatoes or cassava does not require a waterlogged environment like rice.

Referring to cassava as an emergency crop, he further said that the cost of production is one of the reasons for the increase in the prices of rice and potatoes in the market. Cassava can be grown on fallow land. As it is tolerant of high temperatures, it costs the farmer little for irrigation. 

Again, the disease is less. So, the farmer can be more profitable in cassava cultivation. Cassava can be used as an alternative food to rice and bread.

In response to a question about the various uses of cassava, the Professor said it is used in multiple fields, including medicine, bakery, garment, paper, and testing salt. Besides, flour can be made from cassava. Cassava is also used as animal feed and fuel.