Chinese scientists from the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS) have unveiled plans to enhance cassava cultivation in Africa, where cassava is a crucial source of food. The action plan aims to introduce new cassava varieties and advanced farming techniques to more than 500,000 hectares of land in African countries.
According to Xie Jianghui, vice head of CATAS, the implementation of improved varieties and techniques is anticipated to increase cassava yields to over 17 tonnes per hectare. This initiative was announced at the 2nd Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Agriculture held in Sanya, Hainan Province.
CATAS plans to collaborate with countries such as Nigeria, Mozambique, and the Republic of the Congo to develop better cassava varieties, enhance cultivation techniques, and advance mechanization on cassava farms. Additionally, the institute aims to establish agriculture demonstration centers to facilitate commercialization and large-scale production in major cassava-producing countries.
Cassava, a starch-rich crop, plays a vital role in providing food for over 200 million people in African countries, making it a crucial food security crop for the continent. The initiative seeks to contribute to food security, improve agricultural practices, and boost the economies of the involved African nations.
Source: news.cgtn.com