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If you are a young farmer planning to start cassava farming in Nigeria, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right cassava variety. The type of cassava you plant will determine your yield, resistance to diseases, and overall profit. The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has developed and recommended several high-yielding and disease-resistant cassava varieties that are suitable for different regions in Nigeria.
In this guide, we’ll help you understand which varieties to choose and why they are the best options for your cassava farm.
Why Variety Selection Matters in Cassava Farming
Choosing the right cassava variety affects:
- Yield: Some varieties can produce up to 30–40 tons per hectare.
- Resistance: Certain improved varieties resist common diseases like Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD) and Cassava Bacterial Blight (CBB).
- Market Value: Some varieties are preferred by garri processors, starch companies, and fufu producers.
- Adaptability: Improved varieties can tolerate drought and poor soil conditions.
IITA-Recommended High-Yielding and Disease-Resistant Cassava Varieties
Here are some of the best cassava varieties recommended by IITA and the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI):
1. TMS 30572
- Yield: 25–30 tons per hectare
- Resistance: Highly resistant to Cassava Mosaic Disease and tolerant to Cassava Bacterial Blight.
- Maturity: 12–18 months
- Uses: Good for garri, fufu, and industrial starch.
- Benefit: Performs well across most ecological zones in Nigeria.
2. TMS 98/0581
- Yield: 30–35 tons per hectare
- Resistance: Strong resistance to CMD and Cassava Green Mite.
- Maturity: 12 months
- Uses: Suitable for garri, chips, and flour.
- Benefit: High starch content and adaptable to many soil types.
3. TMS 96/1632
- Yield: 28–33 tons per hectare
- Resistance: Resistant to major cassava pests and diseases.
- Maturity: 12–15 months
- Uses: Ideal for garri and fufu.
- Benefit: Produces uniform tubers and high-quality flour.
4. TMS 98/0510
- Yield: Up to 35 tons per hectare
- Resistance: Good resistance to CMD and Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD).
- Maturity: 12 months
- Uses: Excellent for industrial starch production.
- Benefit: High dry matter and starch yield.
5. TMS 419 (IITA-TMS-IBA011371)
- Yield: 30–40 tons per hectare
- Resistance: Strong resistance to CMD and tolerant to poor soil.
- Maturity: 12–14 months
- Uses: Suitable for garri, fufu, and chips.
- Benefit: Popular among Nigerian farmers for its high yield and adaptability.
Tips for Young Farmers When Choosing Cassava Varieties
- Consult local extension officers – They can guide you on the best variety for your soil and climate.
- Buy certified stems – Always source planting materials from trusted centers like IITA, NRCRI, or reputable seed companies.
- Match your market – If your buyers prefer garri, pick varieties with high dry matter. For starch industries, choose high-starch types.
- Plant multiple varieties – Reduces risk of total loss and improves yield stability.
Where to Get IITA Cassava Varieties
You can obtain certified cassava stems from:
- IITA Ibadan, Nigeria
- National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike
- Agricultural Development Programmes (ADPs) in your state
- Licensed cassava seed entrepreneurs supported by IITA and other agricultural projects
Final Advice
As a young cassava farmer, always remember that the variety you plant determines your profit. High-yielding and disease-resistant varieties from IITA such as TMS 419, TMS 30572, and TMS 98/0581 are proven to perform well across Nigeria. Combine these varieties with good agronomic practices, proper weeding, and timely harvesting to maximize your yield and income.
