The cassava drive is truly on

TIMES INT'L

Dear Editor,
It is good to know that the locally produced farine is gaining popularity with its own niche market outside of its traditional users. I always thought that we needed to push more of our local specialties. In this vein, government in sensing an economic pull is set to build a full phased factory operation for the processing of this item made from cassava.
If all goes well, this will take place later in the year, with the first facility to be installed in Region Nine.
This is something to really look forward to. This translates into more cassava production, as manual effort in making the farine, even now, is sometimes a deterrent in any cassava drive.
In fact, cassava is the third largest source of food carbohydrates in the tropics, after rice and maize. Cassava is also a major staple food in the developing world, providing a basic diet for over half a billion people. It is one of the most drought-tolerant crops, capable of growing on marginal soils.
Guyana then has no excuse in terms of investing in this crop. So whether it is for farine or not, just plain cassava, cooked and eaten, is a positive step.
Many hinterland residents depend on cassava, not only for food, but for a livelihood. I am really buoyed by this idea and initiative from the Agriculture Ministry. It makes so much sense to set up the facility, since labour will not be a problem anymore.
The Guyana farine, produced almost exclusively in the hinterland, is becoming very popular outside of the country.
Brazil produces it own farine, but still the local one is becoming a niche market there. What is also very heartening is that the local product is now gaining attention in the Caribbean market.
This then means that we have to be ready for the semi-industrialisation of the cassava industry in order to seize the market.
It is common knowledge that farine production is traditionally done by indigenous women, who use their hands to harvest, clean, peel and squeeze the tuber to make the product. The Agriculture Ministry has already assisted several communities by providing grinders to ease this physical task, but this must be built upon, and the ultimate is the factory.
We need to think big – produce plenty, provide quality stuff, and then sell both locally and overseas
Yours truly,
Maria Isabella

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