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Starting a cassava farm requires not only good land and planning but also healthy cassava stems (cuttings). The quality of your stems determines how well your cassava plants will grow and the yield you’ll get at harvest.
In this article, you’ll learn why healthy cassava stems are important, how to select them, and how to plant them correctly.
Why Healthy Cassava Stems Matter
Healthy stems are the foundation of a successful cassava farm. When you use disease-free, mature, and strong stems, your cassava plants will:
- Grow faster and stronger
- Resist pests and diseases
- Produce more tubers (roots)
- Mature evenly for easy harvesting
Using weak or infected stems can lead to poor sprouting, stunted plants, and low yields — meaning you lose both time and money.
How to Select Healthy Cassava Stems
When selecting cassava stems for planting, follow these steps:
- Choose from healthy, mature plants (8–12 months old).
- Select stems that are free from pest or disease damage.
- Pick medium-sized, brownish stems that are neither too young (green) nor too old (dry).
- Avoid stems from plants that yielded poorly.
These steps ensure you start your cassava farm with high-quality planting materials.
Ideal Cutting Size for Cassava
Cut your cassava stems into pieces about 20–25 cm long, with 5–8 nodes (buds).
Each node is where a new sprout will grow. Using this length helps ensure the cutting has enough stored food to support early growth before roots develop.
Tip: Always use a clean, sharp knife or machete to avoid spreading diseases.
Best Time to Cut and Plant Cassava Stems
- Cut the stems at the end of the dry season or early in the rainy season.
- Plant immediately after cutting, or store stems in a shaded, cool place for no longer than 2–3 days.
Planting at the right time ensures that the soil has enough moisture for the stem to sprout quickly.
How to Plant Cassava Cuttings
- Land preparation: Clear and till the soil well.
- Planting method: Place each cutting at a 45-degree angle or horizontally, with 2–3 nodes buried in the soil.
- Spacing: Maintain about 1 meter x 1 meter spacing between plants for good sunlight and growth.
Pro Tip for Young Farmers
Always source your cassava stems from trusted research centers or certified farmers. This ensures you get improved, high-yield varieties that grow well in Nigerian soil.
Conclusion
As a young cassava farmer in Nigeria, remember that the journey to high cassava yield begins with healthy stems. Choose strong, disease-free cuttings about 20–25 cm long, plant them properly, and manage your farm well. With the right start, your cassava farm will thrive and bring great profit.
