CBN-V Video Archives - S1-01
Cassava Varietal Attributes – Identification through Participatory Technology Development Approach for Biotechnological Interventions

Anantharaman M. and S. Ramanthan

CTCRI, Trivandrum 695-017, India ananth_835@hotmail.com

        Cassava, a food security crop for millions, forms an integral component in the livelihood of weaker sections of society operating under complex diverse risk-prone systems. Varietal improvement is the kingpin in production augmentation. The diffusion rate of improved cassava varieties was found insignificant especially among farmers who use cassava as food substitute. This baffling phenomenon is based on the fact that there was mismatch between scientists’ assumptions and farmers expectations in the varietal attributes of cassava. Incorporation of the required varietal attributes in the eyes of farmers is sine-qua-none for greater diffusion and productivity. Biotechnology could be an effective tool to tailor the wanted attributes as perceived by the farmers in cassava varieties. Studies on farmers participatory technology development (PTD) was conducted in eight major cassava production systems in India. This has indicated differential attributes of the cassava crop as well as tuber characteristics over the production systems. Short duration was a favoured attribute in the lowland, medium size tubers in the uplands, storability of stems in rain fed production system etc. are some attributes emanated system wise. The study also evolved a methodology for PTD on identification of cassava varietal attributes.

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