Thai Cassava

Thai Cassava

　　   Cassava, known in English as TAPIOCA or CASS-A, is a tropical root crop and one of the world’s three major sources of starchy tubers (potato, cassava, and sweet potato). It is widely grown across most regions of Thailand. The country produces approximately 20 million tons of fresh cassava roots annually, with half processed into dried cassava and cassava pellets, and the other half into cassava starch. Thailand boasts abundant cassava production and a robust industrial base, making it the world’s largest exporter of cassava products. With superior varieties, scientific cultivation methods, and advanced processing techniques, Thai cassava is high in both quality and yield. It is entirely natural and free from genetically modified components, aligning with contemporary trends and environmental standards. Although Thailand ranks third in global cassava production, it is the world’s top exporter of cassava products and leads the development of cassava production technology worldwide.

　　   Distribution and Production Status of Cassava in Thailand

　　   (1) Planting Distribution

　　    Thai Cassava

　　　　     Thailand is now the world’s third-largest producer of cassava, following Nigeria and Brazil. Thanks to its drought resistance and pest tolerance, cassava is easy to grow and well-suited to Thailand’s northeastern region, where most other crops struggle due to arid conditions. Currently, cassava is cultivated in 45 out of Thailand’s 76 provinces, with major production areas located in the northeast, north, and central (including eastern) parts of the country. From 1993 to 2003, the average annual planting area of cassava in Thailand was around 7.3 million rai (approximately 17.5 million mu). The majority of this area lies in the northeast (53%) and central regions (33%), with smaller plantings in the north (14%).

　　   (2) Current Production Situation

　　　　     Thai farmers typically grow cassava using natural methods, without fertilizers, pesticides, or genetic modification, which gives the crop unique qualities. However, there is room for improvement in seed selection, field management, and soil nutrient maintenance. Both the starch content of fresh cassava and yield per unit area could be enhanced. In 2007, Thailand’s total cassava planting area was 7.62 million rai (1 rai = 2.4 mu), yielding a total output of 26.92 million tons—an increase of 9% over 2006. The average yield was about 3,600 kilograms per rai. Over half of Thailand’s cassava output comes from the northeast (14.58 million tons). Nakhon Ratchasima Province in the northeast is the country’s most important cassava-producing region. In 2007, it had a planting area of 1.94 million rai, accounting for 25.4% of the national total, and produced 7.02 million tons, or 26.1% of the country’s total output. In 2007, there were 475,000 farming households growing cassava in Thailand, 65.6% of which were located in the relatively less-developed northeastern region. Nakhon Ratchasima alone accounted for one-fifth of all cassava-growing households. Assuming an average household size of four, approximately 2 million people in Thailand rely primarily on cassava cultivation as their main source of income.

　　   The Importance of Cassava to Thailand’s National Economy

　　   (1) One of the Key Crops Related to People’s Livelihoods

　　　　     Rice, rubber, cassava, and longan are ranked among Thailand’s most important agricultural products. As global markets increasingly recognize the wide range of uses and advantages of cassava products—especially their cost-effectiveness compared to other industrial raw materials—the demand for cassava continues to rise. Cassava is now developing into a highly significant economic crop for Thailand. The country is the world’s third-largest cassava producer, with around 600,000 households engaged in cassava farming annually. Nationwide, over 2 million farmers primarily depend on cassava cultivation for their income. Including those involved in production and processing, the cassava industry employs more than 10 million people across Thailand, roughly one-sixth of the country’s total population.

　　   (2) A Major Source of Export Earnings

　　　　     Thailand produces between 16 and 19 million tons of fresh cassava each year, over half of which is used to make cassava chips and pellets. The remainder is sent to cassava starch mills to be processed into native starch and further refined products. Domestically, about 40% of Thailand’s cassava products are consumed locally, while 60% are exported. As the world’s largest exporter of cassava products, Thailand accounts for over 80% of the global export volume, generating more than $500 million in revenue for the country each year.