Harvest cassava as soon as tuberous roots have accumulated sufficient amount of starch, but not too late, when tuberous roots become woody or fibrous. Early-maturing varieties are ready for harvesting at 7 months, while late-maturing varieties are ready 12 months after planting.
Optimum time for harvesting cassava varies according to
Most cassava varieties attain optimum weight about 18 months after planting when starch accumulation is highest (Figure 5 and Figure 6).
Farmers do not usually harvest all the plants on a plot at the same time, because cassava remains in good condition for only a few days after harvest. Farmers harvest only the quantity required for immediate use.
In traditional farming, farmers harvest manually. Farmers cut the stems a few centimeters above the ground with a machete, then loosen the soil around the tuberous roots, and pull the stub of the stem to lift out the root.
Mechanical harvesters are available to uproot tuberous roots, which are then picked by hand.
Harvesting is easier when the soil is moist. Harvesting is also easier if planting is on ridges or in beds and in loose or sandy soils, rather than on flat ground and in clay or heavy soils.
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