Prepared by the Facebook Group: Surviving Our Harsh Economic Environment (SOHEE)
Introduction:
Currently a significant number of persons are moving away from gluten (e.g. wheat) flours. As a consequence they are looking for alternative flours. Some of the main alternatives are cassava, arrowroot, corn, rice, breadfruit, etc. In our neck of the woods, we possess the expertise and soil for the growth of cassava, arrowroot and breadfruit flours. Cassava is most likely going to require the least amount of time and effort in order to become an economically viable crop.
Below Is A Synopsis To Getting A Cassava Industry Up And Running Here In Barbados.
Positive Attributes of Cassava:
1. Cassava is the third-largest source of food carbohydrates in tropical climates
2. It is a perennial crop hence it can be harvested as required
3. Cassava gives one of the highest yields of carbohydrates/ starch per cultivated area
4. Cassava is one of the most drought-tolerant crops
5. It grows well in most soils
6. Is not liked by the monkeys (Good news for Barbados)
7. Excellent source of gluten-free carbohydrates
8. With ideal growing conditions can yield on average 12.5 tonnes per hectare (NB: In India with a the yield of 34.8 tonnes per hectare – 2010)
9. Per unit weight, it commands a relatively good price on the International markets
10. Extremely digestible
Potential Food Uses:
1. As an alternative to wheat (gluten) flour
2. As one’s primary source of carbohydrates – replacing rice/ potatoes/ sweet potatoes/ pasta
3. As a wafer
4. In deserts
5. In beverages
Nutrition Profile:
1. Primarily carbohydrate
2. Vitamin C
3. Thiamine
4. Riboflavin
5. Nicotinic acid.
Non-Food (Industrial) Uses of Cassava
1. Animal Feed
2. In manufacturing ethanol
3. In the textile industry
4. In manufacturing paper
5. In manufacturing clay
Location: Lands formerly used for the growth of sugar cane
Time of production/ marketing: 2014
Marketing:
1. Capitalize on market demand
2. Number of companies who EXCLUSIVELY specialize in non-gluten flours
3. Via gluten free alternative cooking magazines/ cooking shows/ etc.
4. Via certain health organizations – e.g. Celiac
Driving Forces:
1. Worldwide demand
2. Ideal soil
3. Monkeys are not attracted to same
4. Grows easily
5. Lots of available acreage
6. Position to develop a “brand”
Number of People Than Can Be Employed: 400 to 1,000
Start-Up Date: As soon as possible
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