Actually we have been learning a lot of things from cassava sector in Thailand as it has a long history of cassava business in Asia.
Thanks to cassava breeders in Thailand. Many Thai cassava varieties (such as Huay Bong 60, KU 50 and Rayong 9) are well-adapted to many parts of Southeast Asia and produce good yields with high starch. But clean quality planting materials are still not available for many smallholder farmers.
Thai researchers have been studying two long term N-P-K fertilizer experiments in Rayong and Khon Kaen Field Crops Research Centers for more than 30 years. The results showed that mineral fertilizers can help to increase cassava yields. Right rate of these fertilizers is important. Right source, time, and place of fertilizer application are more frequently overlooked and may offer greater opportunities for improved performance in cassava productivity. However many of the light-textured soils used for cassava production in Thailand, particularly in Korat plateau, are very susceptible to erosion. Soil erosion control measures should be taken to reduce erosion.
As you know - Cassava is grown mostly as a sole crop in Thailand. Cassava farmers might improve net incomes significantly by changing the crop mix (ie. intercropping).
In addition, Thailand has well-established cassava business and its industry. Ultimately, there is a high potential for Thailand to increase its cassava production if the increase investments in agriculture research and extension can be made.
We should look together for cassava to fit in the existing farming systems - it is not only for more productive and profitable, but also for more sustainable way of cassava production systems, for Thai farmers and beyond.
Many thanks for your comment, Khun Banyat.
Actually we have been learning a lot of things from cassava sector in Thailand as it has a long history of cassava business in Asia.
Thanks to cassava breeders in Thailand. Many Thai cassava varieties (such as Huay Bong 60, KU 50 and Rayong 9) are well-adapted to many parts of Southeast Asia and produce good yields with high starch. But clean quality planting materials are still not available for many smallholder farmers.
Thai researchers have been studying two long term N-P-K fertilizer experiments in Rayong and Khon Kaen Field Crops Research Centers for more than 30 years. The results showed that mineral fertilizers can help to increase cassava yields. Right rate of these fertilizers is important. Right source, time, and place of fertilizer application are more frequently overlooked and may offer greater opportunities for improved performance in cassava productivity. However many of the light-textured soils used for cassava production in Thailand, particularly in Korat plateau, are very susceptible to erosion. Soil erosion control measures should be taken to reduce erosion.
As you know - Cassava is grown mostly as a sole crop in Thailand. Cassava farmers might improve net incomes significantly by changing the crop mix (ie. intercropping).
In addition, Thailand has well-established cassava business and its industry. Ultimately, there is a high potential for Thailand to increase its cassava production if the increase investments in agriculture research and extension can be made.
We should look together for cassava to fit in the existing farming systems - it is not only for more productive and profitable, but also for more sustainable way of cassava production systems, for Thai farmers and beyond.