CUMILLA, Aug 29: Cassava, also known as wood potato, is being cultivated in the Lalmai hills area of the district for many years.
According to the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) sources, six to seven tonnes of cassava can be grown on an acre of land.
Cassava is used in making glucose, barley, semolina, bread, noodles, crackers, cakes, breads, biscuits, chips and many other food items.
Starch is also produced from cassava which is used in textile and pharmaceutical industries.
Moreover, organic fertilisers are made from cassava leaves and residues.
The garment industry, pharmaceutical industry and food processing industry need about 0.3 million tonnes of cassava starch every year. But the country produces only 5,000 tonnes to 6,000 tonnes per year.
Bangladesh imports rest of the starch from India, Thailand and Vietnam.
Ali Akbar, a farmer in Lalmai area, said he used to grow varieties of vegetables before. Now he is cultivating cassava as he found it more profitable.
Cassava cultivation requires less fertiliser and irrigation. It has a low production cost and growers get a good return from it.
Farmer Maqsud Ali has been cultivating cassava in Lalmai hills over the last 13 years. He cultivated cassava on 50 acres of land this season.
The cost of cultivating cassava on an acre of land is around Tk 25,000. If the yield is good, a grower can make a profit of Tk 30,000 to Tk 40,000 from the produce.
The farmer said a good number of people attained financial solvency by growing the item. The DAE also help the growers ensure proper marketing.
Upazila Agriculture Officer, Cumilla Sadar (South), Mohiuddin Majumder said cassava grows well in Lalmai hills area. Farmers are benefitted greatly from the item.
