Cassava scientists recently met in Belgium and called for more research and development to boost farmers’ yields of the crop.
The Apia-based FAO Food and Nutrition Officer Dirk Schulz saif cassava is a staple food in the Pacific region and readily available.
“Cassava or manioca, as its known in some countries, is an important crop for food security globally and in most Pacific island countries, in particular Melanesian countries like Fiji Vanuatu or PNG,” he said. “Particularly with these days rising food prices…countries are looking for alternatives to produce food locally and cassava has a starchy root and is an important source of energy and carbs.”
He said Dirk the crop adapts well to poor soil and low rainfall.
