Many might not realize that Cassava is a massive revenue driver for Thailand. This success didn’t happen by chance; it is the result of over 30 years of building a rock-solid foundation.
Key insights were shared by Prof. Dr. Ed Sarobol, representing Prof. Dr. Chareinsak Rojanaridpiched, at the International Conference 2025 – Cassava’s Next Frontier held on November 27, 2025. Here are the highlights of this inspiring journey:
💎 “Superior Varieties” – The Heart of Transformation
Since 1992, the Thai Tapioca Development Institute (TTDI) has been the frontline force in boosting farmer productivity:
- Quality Distribution: Over 90 million high-performing planting stakes have been distributed, including the legendary Kasetsart 50 (KU50).
- Empowering Farmers: Training over 31,000 farmers to turn traditional farming into a field of science and technology.
🛡️ The “Parasitic Wasp” Saga – Conquering the Pink Mealybug
In 2008, the industry faced a near-collapse due to the “Pink Mealybug” outbreak. Thailand fought back brilliantly by using nature to defeat nature!
- We imported the Parasitic Wasp (Anagyrus lopezi) from Benin as our “white knight.”
- An army of over 11 million pairs of wasps was released nationwide, successfully bringing the infestation under control within just a few years.
🧬 Fighting “CMD” with Innovative Strains
When the Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD) emerged in 2018, researchers acted swiftly by importing resistant cultivars from IITA (Africa) for trials.
- The results were stunning! The new variety, ITTI 2, showed a 0.0% disease incidence, while standard varieties faced infection rates of over 50%.
🚀 The Road Ahead: Innovation-Led Production
TTDI emphasizes that we cannot stand still. For the Thai cassava industry to thrive in the future, we need:
- Appropriate Technology: Moving from traditional farming toward Precision Agriculture.
- Unified Policy: Seamless collaboration across all sectors.
- Research & Development: Continuous investment in R&D to tackle emerging pests and global challenges.
Thai Cassava is a true symbol of “Resilience” and “Innovation.” Together, we will continue to drive this industry toward a sustainable and prosperous future! 💡✨
