Why Doesn't China Cultivate Cassava on a Large Scale?

The reasons for the lack of large-scale cassava cultivation in China involve multiple aspects such as agricultural development and changes in food structure, cassava cultivation characteristics and limitations, the cassava market and economic value, as well as policy support and guidance.

Agricultural Development and Changes in Food Structure

With the rapid development of China's economy and the improvement of people's living standards, agricultural development and food structure have undergone significant changes. People's demand for food has become more diversified, no longer relying solely on a few staple crops.

At the same time, the planting area and yield of other crops are also continuously increasing to meet the market's demand for diversified foods. Therefore, the planting area of cassava has been squeezed to a certain extent by the expansion of other crops.

Cassava Cultivation Characteristics and Limitations

Climate and Soil Requirements: Cassava is a tropical crop with certain requirements for climate and soil conditions. Although cassava is planted in southern China (such as Yunnan, Guangxi, Guangdong, and Hainan), northern regions cannot widely plant cassava due to the cold climate.

Planting Technology and Management: The technology and management of cassava cultivation are relatively complex, requiring professional knowledge and skills. In China, due to the relatively short history of cassava planting, planting technology and management experience are relatively insufficient, which also limits the large-scale planting of cassava.

Cassava Market and Economic Value

Market Demand

Although cassava is an important starch source globally, in China, the market demand for cassava is relatively small due to the extensive planting of other starch crops (such as sweet potatoes and potatoes).

Economic Value

The economic value of cassava is mainly reflected in starch processing and alcohol production. However, in China, these fields are highly competitive, and the economic benefits of cassava are relatively low. Therefore, farmers are more inclined to plant crops with higher economic benefits.

However, it is worth noting that with continuous technological advancements and the adjustment and optimization of agricultural policies, the planting area and yield of cassava in China may still see further development in the future.