The first harvest of cassava is due to take place in October this year.

The Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) is helping the Majola community of Port St John's trial a new crop called Cassava, a root plant of Amazon origins and belonging to the sweet potato family.

The Majola pilot, started in November last year, is being conducted by Agri-Biotech and is one of five sites in the province.   

Another country that plants this tropical root crop is Zimbabwe because of its type of soil. It produces 70 tons per hectare while high rainfall countries like Indonesia produce 100 tons per hectare. 

Dr Ian Robertson from Zimbabwe from Agri-Biotech, who leads the planting of Cassava in the Eastern Cape, says: "Cassava tubers are almost pure starch and therefore, apart from being a good energy food source, they can be processed into animal feed as dried chips or even pellets."

Majola Tea general manager and agriculturist Ernest Keswa, also from Port St Johns, says: "Our sub-tropical climate conditions and 1,000 ml of rain between September and April is conducive for growing high value crops such as Cassava."

There is an overwhelming excitement from the Majola community about the trials.

Nokwakha Dinani, a worker at the Majola pilot site since its inception in November 2008, says: "I availed myself for this project so that I can increase my knowledge about different farming practices."

Dinani, who also used to work at the Majola Tea project, explains that her interest in farming is shared by her children and community at large.

Other pilot sites for Cassava are Caguba, also in Port St Johns, two sites in Mzamba location in Bizana and one in Ncera village in East London. 

"In these areas, yields of close to 40 tons per hectare can be achieved and generate a 17% return on the investment. That means a grower with a five hectare plantation will see a net income of R33, 000," said Solwandle.

He said ECDC has invested R770 000 in the project with the first harvest expected in October this year.

"Possible future developments for Cassava include the establishment of starch extraction factory," he adds.

The Majola community has been involved in a number of ECDC-funded essential oils project including Roman Chamomile, Spearmint, Rosemary and Geranium which were planted in October 2008.