1 Production Techniques for Sustainable Cassava Production in Asia

The paper describes research results obtained in the development of improved cultural practices, such as time and method of planting, weed control, fertilization, intercropping and erosion control. Experiments have shown that cassava yields are seriously reduced if either low rainfall or low temperatures are limiting growth during the period of 3-5 months after planting; that planting vertically or inclined produces higher yields than planting horizontally, especially during periods of drought; that planting on ridges is better in the rainy season but planting on the flat is better in the dry season; that high and sustainable yields can be maintained either with the application of 5-10 t/ha of animal manure supplemented with 50-100 kg/ha of N and/or K2O as chemical fertilizers (depending on soil fertility characteristics), or by the application of chemical fertilizers alone with a ratio of N:P2O5:K2O of 2:1:2 or 2:1:3, but not by organic or green manures alone; that intercropping with peanut generally increases total income and protects the soil from erosion; and that fertilization, intercropping, contour ridging and contour hedgerows of grasses are simple but effective ways to reduce erosion. Improved cultural practices, such as the use of chemical fertilizers and herbicides have been adopted in some regions or countries, such as in India (mainly in Tamil Nadu), Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam (mainly fertilizers). Constraints to adoption are identified and the use of farmer participatory research methodologies are suggested to enhance the adoption of better practices that will contribute to increasing the income of cassava farmers and maintaining or improving the productivity of the soil