One of the so-called orphaned crops whose production is drawing renewed efforts is cassava.

And for good reasons. This drought resistant tuber is a source of excellent nutrition, specifically carbohydrates, besides having numerous other medicinal values.

Not surprisingly cassava is steadily finding its way back to the dinner tables and the ministry of agriculture is actively encouraging the trend.

According to experts alarmed at the disappearing traditional foodstuff, cassava farming, if embraced more widely could solve the perennial food shortage in arid and semi-arid areas since it requires little rain.

There is an added advantage now and according to Joseph Ngethe, the Muranga’s South district agricultural officer, the traditional cassava has been hybridized by KARI scientists, giving rise to various species including Muchericheri, traditional one, Ndooro and the latest identified as No. 990013.

The best thing about cassava is ease of handling and preparation. The tuber can be boiled and eaten after removing the cover; it can also be made into flour or tapioca as it is commonly known, after peeling and removing the root. The flour can be used to make, among others, ugali after mixing among others with millet, maize and/or sorghum.

Besides rain deficient areas, cassava grown best in upper and medium zones with loam soil and requires very little rain. The hybridized cassava takes seven to nine months to mature and is tastier than the traditional one which takes about three years to mature.

According to Mr Ngethe, one hectare should ideally produce about eight tones, and cutting should be planted one metre from each other. Another novel quality of cassava is that it does not require manure but when applied will certainly add value and better yield. Cassava is rich in vitamin carbohydrates, Vitamins B and C. It also contains magnesium, potassium, iron and calcium. Besides, it contains very little fat and is known to have anti-thyroid effects (slows thyroid functions).

Cassava flour which can be cooked with milk or vegetable broth contains 88 per cent of carbohydrates and almost no protein. It is easily digested and rich in calories. The flour is known to heal digestive disorders, liver diseases and is extremely useful during convalescence from serious diseases or surgery and restarting solid foods after a period of fasting.

The ministry of Agriculture has realized the importance of Cassava and under the Orphaned Crops Programme, its production alongside sweet potatoes, sorghum and millet will be given top priority. Since the programme started in Murang’a south district, nearly 1,700 farmers have benefited.