About Tapioca (Cassava)
Tapioca (cassava) is a starchy root grown mainly in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. In Tamil Nadu it feeds the sago (sabudana) and starch industry centred on Salem; in Kerala it is a staple food.
Where Tapioca (Cassava) Is Grown
The main growing states and districts are listed below. Tap a state for its markets, season, agencies and buyers.
| State | Main districts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu | Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri, Kallakurichi, Villupuram | The largest tapioca state and the centre of sago making. |
| Kerala | Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Malappuram | Tapioca (kappa) is a staple food. |
| Andhra Pradesh | East Godavari, Visakhapatnam | Tapioca for starch. |
| Karnataka | Chamarajanagar, Mysuru | A smaller crop. |
How It Is Grown
Tapioca is planted from stem cuttings and harvested after eight to ten months. Roots must be processed within a day or two of harvest because they spoil quickly.
Season
Harvest October–March in Tamil Nadu; year-round in Kerala.
Uses and Buyers
Sago and starch factories (Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri), households in Kerala, and chips makers.
Quality and Price
Roots are bought on starch content. Sago is graded by size, whiteness and swelling.
Government Role
Tapioca (Cassava) has no minimum support price, so it is bought almost entirely by private traders, processors and exporters. Government support comes through horticulture and crop missions, market regulation, export promotion and research.
Companies, Markets and Bodies
- SAGOSERVE (Salem Starch and Sago Manufacturers' Service Industrial Co-operative Society)Salem · sago and starch marketingAboutExplore
- ICAR – Central Tuber Crops Research InstituteThiruvananthapuramAboutExplore
Related: All crops · All states
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