NaijaAgroNet:
Pix: Cassava tubers
Cassava has been identified as crucial
to food security for millions of Africans, and now the shrub’s potential for
industrial purposes is being considered, says a professor at the school of
molecular and cell biology,Wits University South Africa. Prof. Chrissie Rey,
reports NaijaAgroNet.
Speaking on the versatility of the
crop, Prof. Rey said its used in several products including flour, paper,
textiles, food additives and animal feed.
"The main thrust of cassava in South
Africa is for industrial purposes and the use of biotechnology to improve the
crop for agro-processing," noted Prof. Rey who has been studying the shrub
since the 1980s.
According to Rey,other countries on
the continent have always been interested in cassava for food security but all
cassava-growing countries are getting interested in its industrial potential.
Rey says herinterest on studying the
plant was because its roots are a valuable source of starch. "The need for
root-based starch will rise in the next 50 years. Cassava is a potentially
valuable crop and the South African government is interested in exploring that
potential for small-scale and commercial farmers," she says.
The crop is also used to produce
bio-ethanol, which is used in small stoves instead of paraffin. The bio-ethanol
produced from cassava is cleaner for the environment, she pointed out.
Cyriacus Nnaji/GEE
... Linking agrobiz, sustainable environs, people & technologyPix: Cassava tubers
No comments:
Post a Comment
Share ur views here