Cassava Farming: How To Reduce Postharvest Losses

Cassava tubers attached to the main stem can remain safely in the ground for several months. However, after harvest, the roots start deteriorating within two to three days, and rapidly become of little value for consumption or industrial use.

Transporting Cassava Roots

To avoid root deterioration and loss of quality, transport to the homestead, market or processing plant immediately after harvesting.

• Use wheelbarrows or any other suitable container to transport roots in small quantities and short distances, such as from the farm to the roadside or bulking centre, where they will be loaded on a vehicle for long-distance transportation.
• Gently offload the roots from the wheelbarrow or container without causing bruises or damage to the roots.
• Vehicles transporting cassava a long distance should be covered with a tarpaulin to avoid rapid moisture loss from the roots.
• Use an oxen-cart for transportation, especially in rural areas where there are no paved roads or the roads are not passable to vehicles.
• Carefully sort and arrange roots neatly in the vehicle or cart to save space
• Do not seat or put heavy objects such as vehicle tyres on roots after loading.