Can Cassava (kamoteng kahoy) be a rice substitute

Looking forward to the future of business

My uncle (as seasoned agri businessman) and I were discussing what possible businesses to introduce to constituents of an elected relative to provincial positions.  While mine was agri forestry which takes 5 or more years to harvest, he proposed cassava.  It grows every where is not dependent on too much water, not prone to diseases and not very much affected by typhoons.  It bears tubers in five years or less.

Why not try?

He suggests area of 100 hectares or more mechanized.    Cassava can be used for flour, startch (as what Liwayway now Oishi did) ethanol, pharmaceutical and confectionary and beauty products (as sorbitol)

and even biogradable plastic

While the issue of rice importation, tariffs are highly politicized, may it be suggested that we work on substitutes or alternatives.   

Biodegrdable plastic bags from starch (c.....a)

Looking forward to the future of business

The world hungers for solution to plastic that clog drainage and cause flood.  There was reported to be an island in the Pacific which consist of floating plastic waste.

Thus the search is on for solution:

1.  To lessen plastic packaging

2.  To get rid of the waterways and the earth of plastic.

I heard from the father of a mangkin who is based in Italy that they are funding research on plastic that decays.  I just dont know what they are researching on but the solution seem to be at hand -  from cassava that grows and that can be grown a plenty here in the PHL.  This is a business opportunity and yes also saves the earth

Possible agri venture - planting this tuber can solve many problems

Looking forward to the future of business

Met with my uncle after a long while (he had his eye operated on) and met long for possible agri venture.  (He is into broiler, eggs, and cattle farming)  Our goal was to interest a relative in a big Region 3 province to have alternative sources of income, while at the same time provide livelihood (not ayudas) to his constituents, and thus strengthen further his political clout.  He just won a legislative position in his province.  

My idea is have plantation agreements in idle lands with landowner and partnership for high value products like white lamuan, and /or agar or trees with fragrance (since there are all ready such, owned by foreigners with their laboratories and who are expanding - quite an opportune moment

My uncles idea was different - to go on contract growing of a popular tuber that can be substitute for rice and which has numerous other uses:   flour, starch, textile, paper, ethanol, sorbitol costmetic products etc.

This project certainly could:

1.  Provide many jobs since harvesting and processing can be labor intensive;

2.  Save $ for rice importation

3.  Provide opportunities for high value products like sorbitol.

Nigeria is currently  the leader in cassava production and there are reports that those who engage in such business are now wealthy.