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In a bid to foster sustainable farming practices, Ingredion has become the pioneer company in Thailand to distribute Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD)-resistant cassava varieties among local farmers. This initiative is crucial as cassava cultivation is a vital source of income for over 580,000 farming households in Thailand, contributing significantly to the country's rural economy. CMD poses a severe threat to the cassava industry, causing substantial yield losses of up to 80%. Previously, Thailand lacked CMD-resistant cassava varieties, but now, thanks to the Thai Tapioca Development Institute (TTDI), new varieties such as ITTI 1, ITTI 2, and ITTI 3 have been developed and evaluated.

These CMD-resistant varieties not only offer protection against the disease but also boast high yields and starch potential. Ingredion Thailand, in collaboration with TTDI and government agricultural departments, is actively disseminating these varieties to farmers in the northeast region, particularly in provinces like Nakhon Ratchasima, a major cassava production hub. By encouraging the adoption of CMD-resistant varieties and clean seed stems, Ingredion aims to mitigate the impact of CMD and safeguard farmers' livelihoods.

The distribution of 133,400 high-quality CMD-resistant seedlings to farmers in the Sikhiu and Kalasin districts marks a significant step towards combating CMD and enhancing cassava productivity. Farmers, like Mr. Santi Chujai, are embracing these new varieties due to their improved resilience and profitability. Ingredion's commitment to supporting sustainable agriculture extends beyond the distribution of resistant varieties, as they also focus on developing rapid multiplication systems and engaging with local farmers and government agencies. Through these efforts, Ingredion seeks to ensure the long-term sustainability of Thailand's cassava industry while enhancing farmers' incomes and resilience to crop diseases.

Source: https://oec.world/en/profile/bilateral-product/cassava/reporter/tha