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Page 1: Sago Cassava Book

RENEWABLE ENERGY SCIENCE SERIES X

CASSAVA FOR FOOD AND ENERGY SECURITY

emerging options

DR. P. RADHAKRISHNA

DIRECTOR

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF NON CONVENTIONAL ENERGY SOURCES

Regional Office E1, B-Block, Rajaji Bhawan, Besant Nagar, Chennai

Tele Fax : 044-4918742 / 4462158 E-mail : [email protected]

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This book is very quick response to examine the ever-growing importance of cassava as an industrial and commercial crop. The socio-economic changes in the societies of various cassava cultivating countries are reexamining their traditional preferences to cassava as food in terms of cost and nutritive value. On average, the decline of cassava as a food crop is a recognized fact and similar trends are more pronounced in India. Inherent problems of cassava as a feed on its own without external nutrients addition has not yet over come and it is expected that the price structure and availability of minor cereals have a major say on this business too. Actual data on cassava utilization in various countries is lacking due to its nature of cultivation, harvesting and the like. It is seen that cassava introduced in countries adopted for industry & export are more successful than others. This phenomenon is clearly visible when cassava performance is evaluated with major player like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu when compared to Kerala. In India a number of factors like crop area, quality, productivity levels, transportation, process technology, efficiencies of plant & machinery, and post processing activities are contributing to the quality of the end products. This is further influenced by power tariff rates, pollution control measures and lack of assured support prices of the products. With this background, many industries fear that the scenario after 2005 seems grim and discouraging. However, a bold step is taken in this short preliminary examination of Cassava in India by proposing to the industry and policy makers to modernize their equipment and to derive maximum captive energy requirements from the crop itself to make the business attractive and remunerative. This helps in streamlining production levels and price structure of sago and starch. Small and marginal farmers can benefit and cassava appears as a kitchen garden crop in its various forms of application. Cassava as food and energy security has a greater relevance in the present context of energy scenario of the country and has a great future not only to the industry concerned by also to the dependent society and the country at large. Views expressed in this book are those of the author and does not purport of the Ministry.

Dr P Radhakrishna Director

05-02-2002

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World Scenario: -

Cassava (Mainhot esculanta sp or M. Utilissima sp & M.Aipi sp) is

known popularly as Tapioca in world over and in India. This plant belongs to

Euphorbiaceae family with known 160 varieties under cultivation. Various

governments in the world had attached adequate recognition to this crop.

However, for the ever-changing scenario food demand & supply, and

preference to a particular quality of food are demanding reorientation of the

seriousness of R & D activities on crop production and related industrial

activities.

With an annual output of cassava during early 1980's (126 million

Tons), the growth of cassava production is visibly impressive with 22%

registered by the turn of the '90s and further improvement of 14% growth over

the next decade with annual production pegged at 175 million metric tons

during crop year 2000. Sub-Saharan African countries account 50% of the

world's production whereas the productivity levels are stagnant over many

years. Cassava as a food is more prominent in sub-Saharan Africa, with an

estimated 60% of total world cassava production was consumed as food

during 1980's. However, these levels are coming down drastically due to

various issued linked to socio-economic aspects and some countries are

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registering negative growth rate in cassava as food. The average annual

growth rate in cultivation, production levels always exhibit marked fluctuations.

A number of reasons are attributed to this, but it clearly indicates that cassava

crop required serious attention to examine its strengths as an energy option

also. Table I & II indicates the trends in the world and in Asian countries.

TABLE I

WORLD CASSAVA CULTIVATION, PRODUCTION & PRODUCTIVITY TRENDS

1979-80 1989-90 1999-2000

Sl.No. Country

Area Million

Hectares

Production

Million Tons

Productivity

Tons/ Hectare

Area Million

Hectares

Production

Million Tons

Productivity

Tons/ Hectare

Area Million Hecta

res

Production Million

Tons

Productivity Tons/ Hectare

1 World 13.59 123.97 9.12 15.63 157.65 10.08 106.1 19 10.08

2 Asia 3.78 44.15 11.64 3.96 51.44 12.97 3.8 49.4 14.6

3 Africa 7.05 49.08 6.96 8.93 73.3 8.2 11.09 94 8.42

4

Latin America & Caribbean

2.73 30.58 16.41 2.72 32.71 17.25 2.8 31.9 18.25

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TABLE II Cassava cultivation, production & productivity trends in important

Asian countries.

Under

cultivatio

n 000 ha+

Productio

ns 000 tons

Productivity Tons/ha+

Sl.No

Country

1978

1988

1998

1978

1988

1998

1978

1988

1998

1.

India

345

270

244

5,921

5,213

5,868

18

19

22

2.

Indonesia

1,413

1,303

7,531

13,500

15,471

14,728

10

12

19

3.

Thailand

1,053

1,547

6,527

15,128

22,307

15,591

14

14

16

4.

China

231

237

230

3,39

3,43

3,60

14

14

15

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0 5 0

INDIAN SCENARIO: -

This crop is introduced in India during 17th Century in Kerala and was

promoted by the erstwhile rulers of Kerala as a food crop to suit as a source

of carbohydrate. This crop became more popular in Southern States of this

country due to its tolerance to draught, grown on a variety of soils, low levels

of investments on comparison, similarly low levels of known pest and other

forms of damage. It is estimated that about 24 lakhs hectares are being

under this Cassava cultivation, with average production 5.1 million tons. Of

the total area under cultivation in India, 9% is contributed by Andhra Pradesh,

61% by Kerala and 29% by Tamil Nadu and the rest by States like Karnataka,

Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, Andaman and Nicobar Islands (UT),

Pondicherry and others. On comparison, except Tamil Nadu (30-35 T/ ha+),

the rest of the Southern States and Union Territories record an average yields

ranging from 10-13 T/ ha+, whereas other states as mentioned above range

from 2T/ ha+ to 6T/ ha+.

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The most attractive aspects of Cassava cultivation basically stems from

the fact that:

i) Per unit land on comparison, Cassava yields higher amounts of

Carbohydrates, with comparatively high photosynthetic

efficiency.

ii) Cost of cultivation is comparatively cheaper.

iii) Less vulnerable to diseases.

iv) Suits for inter cropping with perennials.

v) Short periods of harvesting and immediate processing.

Cassava in Andhra Pradesh (A.P.): Just 40 years back a mere 4

hectares of land under cultivation of this crop, rose to 20,500 hectares with

average per ha+ production stood stagnant at 10-11 Tons. (Total production

2,07,183 tons of tuber as per 95-96 estimation) This crop is more popular in

Northern district of Andhra Pradesh with 95% of the area under cultivation

distributed in East Godavari District alone. Out of 10 districts found to

cultivate this crop, except Visakhapatnam district, the remaining other districts

recorded 10-tons/ ha+ yields on average. In Andhra Pradesh, Cassava is

found also as an inter crop with mango, Coconut and vegetables. It is

estimated that the cost of cultivation per acre stands between Rs.3500-5000

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depending on additional features like irrigation, pest control and the quality

seed material. Cassava is grown in Andhra Pradesh. basically as a rain fed

crop. Sandy loam soils are generally used for cultivation. All the practices

required for transplanting the seed material will be kept ready by June and

transplantation takes place once rains set in. It is observed that inorganic

fertilizers are used in sufficient levels to support the crop. To suit the crushing

season ending by middle of March, the harvesting starts accordingly. As a

result the availability of tuber is limited to ± 2 months only.

Cassava as a primary food has no special recognition in Andhra

Pradesh. Most of the human consumption is in the form of snacks, cooked

fresh tubers and to some extent in pappads. It is estimated that the average

consumption of Cassava in season stands as low as 20gm/day mostly in

rural, among agrarian population. By and large, the cultivation of Cassava in

Andhra Pradesh is in the rich rice belt and this alone discourages it as a food

crop. Andhra Pradesh produces 25,000 tons of sago and out of this 20% is

consumed within the state and 80% being sent to West Bengal and

Maharastra. In addition to this about 35,000 tons of flour is produced from

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chips, thippi and peal. This flour finds its way for manufacturing cattle feed,

adhesives and gums. Marketing of chips outside the country is limited to

orders managed from Europe. May be in the past many years, Andhra

Pradesh Cassava industry could be able to supply 8 crores worth chips on

cumulative basis. As a post harvest exercise, broken pieces of the tubers are

also collected from the fields and are used for making flour popularly known

as “Barada”. This low grade (?) stuff (2000 tons/season) goes for animal

feed, gum and sizing industry.

As a cattle feed, the popularity is on rise as a primary stuff, to source

carbohydrates. However, due to low protein, the share of this flour is presently

limited to 10% maximum. On comparison, Cassava flour is reasonably

inferior to bran, the traditional feed or de-oiled bran, Jawar and Maize. Unless

the Cassava feed is enriched with additional nutrients, the roles of Cassava

are limited to supplement carbohydrates. The other aspects are mentioned

are mentioned in Table III.

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TABLE III

Cassava Cultivation and Productivity – Pattern in A.P.

Sl.No. Representing

year Average area 000

ha+

Average production/000t

Average productivity

MT/ha+ 1. 1970-71 4.00 14.66 3.50

2. 1980-81 9.00 90.98 8.60

3. 1990-91 14.40 111.70 8.20

4. 1996-97 22.84 226.00 12.00

The above table indicates that, with an average growth of 82% in area

of cultivation, the productivity levels are clearly stagnant. Also it is obvious

that in A.P. Cassava is not a recognized staple food though consumed

sporadically. The ever-growing increase in the activity of Cassava forming

clearly indicates that in Andhra Pradesh Cassava cultivation is primarily to

serve the industrial activity associated with starch and other products. This

crop is more remunerative on all accounts on comparison and slowly attaining

the status of a cash crop. How far this trend can be sustained in future needs

to be carefully watched, and whether the market can potentially absorb the

productivity, induced by increased area under cultivation. Andhra Pradesh is

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poised to emerge as a cassava producer and its related products. Excess

availability in Andhra Pradesh is anticipated once productivity levels are

improved.

CASSAVA IN KERALA: - During 1960-61 Kerala accounted for 88%

of the Cassava cultivation in India compared to Tamil nadu, stood at 9% only.

In just 20 years of time, during 1983-84, the Kerala share was down to 76%

whereas Tamil Nadu doubled its cultivated area to 16%. In terms of total

production of Cassava, two third of the Indian production came from Kerala

during this period, indicating higher productivity levels in Tamil Nadu. Around

this period (83-84), Cassava cultivation accounted for only 8% of the total

cropped area in Kerala and in terms of rice equivalent cassava represented

145% of the total rice production. In Kerala cassava cultivation is restricted to

rain fed areas, concentrated mainly in southern districts like Quilon, Kottayam

and Trivandrum. In fact, cassava is also grown all over Kerala as a farmyard

crop in very small quantities meeting the carbohydrate requirements of

individual households. The contribution of this kind of unaccounted cultivation

is not properly enumerated or not always possible to quantify. Till early

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1980’s, the net income from cassava on comparison was less than that of

paddy and other plantation crops.

During early 60’s, the Cassava as a food in terms of calories in take

per day stood at 16% and increased further significantly to 33%, when

compared to rice intake. During 1972, based on a survey conducted, at least

89% of the Kerala house holds consuming cassava as a rice substitute in

lower income groups and as a side dish in middle-income groups. The

average intake of cassava during this period stood at 200 gm. Per day in low

income and at 100 gm. Per day in townships and urban areas. Cassava as a

food supplement is always found prominent during June to October during

which period the monsoon sets. During 1984, 70% of cassava produced in

Kerala was locally consumed and production levels declined to 19% just in

one decade.

The trend of Cassava consumption as food is slowly coming down in

Kerala for obvious reasons in the recent past, though the productivity per

hectare has been steady around 20 tons; doubled over a period of 25 years.

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TABLE IV

Cassava Cultivation and Productivity – Pattern in Kerala

S.No. Representing

year Average area in 000 ha+

Average production/ooot

Average productivity MT/ha+

1. 1970-71 296.00 4391.00 9.90

2. 1980-81 298.00 4949.00 16.50

3. 1990-91 207.00 3356.00 17.20

4. 1996-97 133.00 2590.00 20.00

This table indicates that there is a significant 12% rise in cultivated

area between ‘70s and 80’s’ with concurrent rise in production. However, the

decade of 1980’s witnessed a steep fall of 32% in cultivated area. This further

continued and crashed to 22% of reduction in cropped area during 1990’s;

though the productivity levels are kept stable. This trend is clearly visible in

cassava consumption in Kerala falling gradually. This may be due to various

reasons associated in diversification of occupation, cropping pattern, due to

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lack of attractive price in the market; followed by ever decreasing trend in

consumption as food in preference to rice & cereals. Urbanization is also a

major contributor.

Cassava in Tamil Nadu: -

The Cassava relevance to Tamil Nadu and its ever-expanding activities

had a different origin when compared to Kerala. In fact, historically the

demand for starch during and after the World War II induced Cassava

cultivation in Tamil Nadu. Otherwise, introduction of Cassava in Tamil Nadu

was never considered for food as in the case of Kerala. During 1960's, local

restrictions imposed on exporting processing cassava products from Kerala

also further encouraged cassava farming in Tamil Nadu and the focus was

always mainly for industrial applications.

During these early 60's the growth rate of Cassava cultivation in Kerala

was positive with 3.12% and fell to (-) 2.3% on comparison throughout late

70's and early 80s. However, cassava in Tamil Nadu was clearly steadier

with 9% growth throughout early 1960s and remained positive during 1970s

and 1980s with average growth rate of 1.3%. Similar trend is also visible in

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Tamil Nadu in terms of yield per hectare. Till mid 1970s, the yields in Kerala

are always higher (13-16 Tons/Hectare) than Tamil Nadu (10Tons /Hectare),

which was stagnant till 1984-85. Around this period on wards Kerala could

not rise in its yields/Hectare and stagnant at ± 16 Tons/Hectare, whereas

Tamil Nadu rose to 31-32 Tons/Hectare. Otherwise to put it in a nutshell, the

average annual growth rate of cassava production in Tamil Nadu stood at 7.2

- 7.5% and in Kerala 2.9%. The main difference and change in cassava

production in these states is mainly the crop cultivated in Tamil Nadu for

industrial purposes. This book is further examining the growing relevance of

cassava for emerging production to sustain the industry facing both domestic

and external pressures.

TABLE V

CASSAVA CULTIVATION & PRODUCTIVITY PATTERN IN TAMIL NADU

Sl.No. Representing

Year Average area in cultivation ooo ha+

Average production

000 mt

Average productivity T/ha+

1 1970-71 45.00 481.60 10.80

2 1980-81 46.00 909.00 18.00(80)

3 1990-91 54.00 1582.60 29.00

4 1996-97 77.40 2794.00 36.00

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Cassava in other states in India: -

About 10 states other than the known major states referred are also

cultivating cassava. The detail of the cultivation is known for the past 40

years most confined to specific applications. The area under cultivation is

known on average has no progressive significant change and too in the

productivity levels. However, few states have announced promotional

incentives to sponsor the industrial activity. The trend, past 4 years indicates

that years to come, these 10 states can support their local cassava based

products domestically. For reference the following table explain the trends in

cassava growth.

Table VI

Cassava Cultivation and Productivity – Trends in other States (1996-97)

Sl. No.

State Average area under

cultivation (10 years average)

10 years average

production ooo mt

Average productivity in

Ton/Ha.

1. Assam 2.10 9.50 4.40

2. Karnataka 1.00 9.20 9.00

3. Meghalaya 3.95 22.60 5.80

4. Nagaland 0.45 1.40 3.40

5. Rajasthan 0.21 0.34 1.80

6. A & N Islands 0.20 2.00 8.80

7. Pondicherry 0.70 12.50 19.00

8. Mizoram 0.50 3.40 9.10

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MAJOR FACTORS INFUENCING CASSAVA FOR FOOD: -

A. Per unit area, cassava is being a high energy density crop when

compared to rice and other cereals. However, in terms of overall

quality (Carbohydrate, protein, minerals), on average one Kg. of

Cassava can be equated to 0.300 Kg. of wheat. This contributes

mainly to preference of cereals though the energy densities are high as

250 X 10 3 calories per day per hectare compared to 176 X 10 3 for

rice 110 X 10 3 for Wheat.

The estimated utilization of cassava during 1980’s and projected

demand for 2000 as described (see table VI) indicates that in Asia,

Cassava for food to grow by a maximum of 22% over 20 years (?). it is

estimated that the projection levels are more than actual levels of

consumption. The figures in the brackets indicate the actual present

consumption pattern. In India, the major portion of cassava for food is

in Kerala. The other major states like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh

register bare minimum consumption as food. In fact, the area under

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cultivation in Kerala during 1970’s to 1980’s has fallen by 2.3% in just

one decade. Similarly between 1980’s to 1990’s, the fall in area under

cultivation in Kerala represents the real urbanization, growth in per

capita income, preference to cereal grains and rice and competitive

market prices of various food sources in comparison to Cassava. The

overall fall in cultivation for this just one decade stands further at 10%.

Between 1990’s and 2000 the fall in area under cultivation alone has

come down further 20% in Kerala. This trend in reduction in cultivation

has shown clear impact on ever decreasing trend in per capita cassava

consumption in Kerala. The actual data is lacking though the said

symptoms are just a real fact.

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TABLE VII

NON-INDUSTRIAL CASSAVA UTILISATION PATTERN

Year Country

Group

As a food Feed Other

Purposes

Total

Asia 22.16 1.45 3.32 26.92

Sub-

Saharan

Africa

43.34 1.14 9.27 53.75

1980

Latin

America

12.20 9.97 6.01 28.90

Asia 27.21* 3.49 6.33 37.24

Sub-

Saharan

Africa

70.65 1.42 8.23 80.31

2000**

Latin

America

16.81 15.02 9.68 41.51

* In reality, the cassava consumption as food has not improved.

However, a quantitative details survey is urgent need.

* * Estimates may have ± 2% error.

B. As explained cassava can offer sourcing carbohydrate requirements.

This factor alone contributed to consider cassava as a secondary

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foodstuff or a staple food. Also cassava comes to the rescue of

supporting severe drought conditions, famine and the like sourcing

carbohydrate requirements.

C. Unlike cereals, storability and self shelf life of fresh cassava tubers are

relatively very short. Damage to fresh tuber quickly spreads to the core

of the tuber and makes it unfit for consumption.

D. Unlike other cereal grain, the food items prepared from cassava are

dry or contain inadequate moisture levels to relish.

E. Preference to taste, flavor and to make a wide variety food items,

cassava is not suitable. Compared to the quality of tuber for industrial

requirements the food sector demands pure and high quality cassava

tubers.

F. In recent past, import of surplus cereal grains from developed

countries to cassava growing countries also influenced it as a food.

Subsidizing such high quality food grains further reduces the cassava

as a food option.

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G. Endemic goiter due to iodine deficiency and consumption of cassava

has shown relationship and is being reported from various African

countries. The presence of thiocynate in cassava food was reported to

inhibit absorption of iodine leading to goiter.

H. It is also observed that cost of retail cassava to non- farming

consumers is relatively higher than bulk consumers of starch/ Sago

and is more pronounced in urban areas though such disparity exits in

rural areas.

I. Price of cassava and cereal grains decide the future of cassava as a

major secondary diet. Price preference, nutrient value, comfort,

availability etc., are not in favor of cassava in urban areas.

J. URBANISATION AND INCOME

This has direct and permanent impact on cassava for food security,

soon after the industrial growth started influencing the GDP of every

country, the mass migration of rural population to urban cities

continued constantly. This is primarily due to a sense of confidence,

for comfort due to job opportunities; recreational opportunities and

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economic security leading to self-reliance of the migrants. As a result

of increased income levels over a period, the preference to soft and

tasty cereals has increased on comparison to cassava. This resulted

in cassava consumption in urban poor to come down drastically,

whereas urban elite consumes negligible amounts. This trend has its

effects in rural areas also and consumption of cassava as observed

depend only based on income levels.

K. The land use and cropping pattern of cereals and rice is well

established to suit the growing population and demand. In the last 30

years, the concerted efforts made to control population growth in

developing countries also has shown more preference to cereals than

cassava, as these primary food crops production is stabilized by

various supportive measures and surely will continue to play the every

possible major role in future also.

L. The importance and incentives enjoyed by other comparative crops

are not adequately extended to cassava in terms of subsidies,

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supporting price fixation, and other activities to promote cassava as a

dietary item.

M. FACTORS INFLUENCING CASSAVA FOR FEED INDUSTRY: -

a) Due to presence of acetone (Oral LD 50 5,300); hydro cyanic acid

(Oral LD 50 3.7); oxalic acid (700 mg); saponin (mouse oral LD LO

3,000) and tryptophane (oral rat TDL 1,100 mg) some varieties of

cassava pose health problems in cattle and poultry.

b) Leaves of cassava are not preferred as feed for the reason that

100g of fresh leaves can supplement 60-80 calories with 82% of

water content. The bio-chemical potential of leaves and roots is

mentioned in the table below: -

FEED POTENTIALS OF CASSAVA VIII

Fresh leaves (100 g) Fresh Roots (100 g)

Calories 60 Calories 140 Calories

Protein 6.9 g 1.0 g

Fat 1.3 g 0.2 g

Total Carbohydrates 9.2 g 32.4 g

Fiber 1.2 g 1.0 g

Thiamine 0.16 mg 0.04 mg

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Riboflavin 0.32 mg 0.04 mg

Niacin 1.80 mg 0.60 mg

Ascorbic acid 82.00 mg 34.0 mg

H 2 O 81% 65%

Ash 1.6 g 0.9g

c) Cassava contribution in feed depends only on its nutritious value.

Since protein is low, additional external supply of minor nutrients

are to be supplemented to reach satisfactory levels of shaping feed

concentrates.

d) Cassava on its own cannot substitute coarse grains in terms of

nutritional value.

e) Prices of cassava to coarse grains will decide the feed composition

and contribution of cassava in feedstocks.

f) Cassava in feed at present solely helps in carbohydrate supply and

experiments have shown increase in milk production in cattle.

However, the data is not consistent.

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g) In fact, there is no need to supporting feed industry with fresh

cassava. Most of the supplement comes from the postindustrial

activity. Cassava adds to the bulk quantity only.

h) Present R& D activities indicate that the role of cassava in

feedstocks is ever increasing and better-improved varieties in future

can handle feed industry requirements effectively.

i) The trend in cassava as feed as seen from the table indicates that

price elasticity of other grains influences the cassava as a major

feed supplement. In India, in the last one decade, the quality of

feed material supplied for feed mainly comes from thippi and other

post processing waste residues. These material will not support

unless, fermented further by enriching the nutrients. Cassava as

feed requires activity R & D output and suitable process has to be

developed.

IMPORTANT OBSERVATIONS ON SAGO & STARCH BUSINESS

A. Most of the starch and Sago produced in Andhra Pradesh is being sent

out to West Bengal and other States. 25-30% of Sago is consumed

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within the state. This business is achieved through brokers and

middlemen who orient the business, marketing and out letting the

product.

B. Kerala contributes negligible business on comparison with Andhra

Pradesh and Tamil Nadu in this context.

C. In Tamil Nadu, it is observed that 40-48% of starch & sago is sold

directly (?) without routing through sago serve.

D. On comparison with crop production, cost of tuber per ton, efficiency of

the industries, the production of sago and starch by and large have

been in the same production levels and the business indicates that

much is influenced by the availability of raw material at cost, production

capabilities of the industry in season in tune with fast and immediate

absorption by the market.

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Table-IX

SAGO MARKET FLUCTUATION (SALES ROUTED THROUGH SAGO

SERVE)

Year

Lakhs of ton

arrival

Sale in lakh

tons

Cassava

Production

(In lakh tons)

Cost of Sago

per ton (Rs.)

1992-1993 -- 0.393 24.98 6644

1993-1994 -- 0.606 32.21 9722

1994-1995 -- 0.625 30.65 8377

1995-1996 -- 0.837 27.63 8744

1996-1997 1.02 1.04 30.43 11560

1997-1998 1.09 1.06 * 31.06 12540

1998-1999 1.18 1.22 * 32.00 9110

1999-2000 1.22 1.20 * 30.00 12730

2000-2001 1.33 1.26 * 33.00 12977

* Provisional

E. It is also observed that due to low levels of shelf life, the product needs

to be pushed through the market and in such occasions, the buyer

decides the rate at what is convenient for him (?) to some extent.

F. Both starch and sago have not shown any additional demand as their

prices are varying marginally, though cropped area and productivity

levels are comparatively increasing. This indicates that there is a

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possibility of higher tuber production than required. When the sales of

sago and starch sold directly are also taken into consideration (at what

price such transaction are negotiated (?) is not known), it further

indicates that small and medium industries are exposed to excess

cassava production and limited market availability. Otherwise,

depending on the arrival of fresh tuber, its cost, readiness of the small

and medium industries, their energy consumption levels, labor costs

and other decides the profitability of the business in the season, when

quality of the fresh tuber is taken as common for all.

G. The uptake of other by-products for feed industry also influences the

overall profits depending on the quality.

H. The growing competition for quality starch products from maize and

others also has influence on cassava starch.

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Table - X

STARCH PERFORMANCE DETAILS – MARKET SYMPTOMS (TN

data)

YEAR

Arrival in

Thousand Tons

Sales in

Thousand Tons

Cassava

Production

Thousand Tons

Cost of starch

per Ton (Rs.)

1992-93 -- 93.570 24.98 4366

1993-94 -- 72.508 32.21 6700

1994-95 -- 1.198 Lakhs 30.65 5788

1995-96 -- 1.142 Lakhs 27.63 5733

1196-97 82.830 86.500 30.43 8144

1997-98 73.747 76.031 31.06 8566

1998-99 91.017 90.468 32.00 6322

1999-2000 58.498 65.710 30.00 9144

2000-2001 47.800 44.055 33.00 9111

I. Cassava is also seen being cultivated in other states with an average

increase of 2-6% in cultivated area, though the productivity levels are

at present pegged at 6 – 9 Tons per Hectare. This also indicates that

in future, the local consumption of starch and sago for these states if

met with locally and exports from states like Tamil Nadu may face stiff

resistance.

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J. Due to lack of modernization of Plant and Machinery; ever increasing

power tariff for the industry, cost of fresh tuber, labor; and quality of the

end product will be guided by competitive prices of Indian stuff to

market compared to imports from countries like Thailand, Malaysia and

others. In fact, these countries are doing better due to their modern

equipment and efficiencies achieved in a short span of time. The effect

of this scenario may be visible once WTO comes into force from 2005

onwards.

THE FACTS AND CONSIDERATIONS

A. Cassava production levels are becoming more than the requirements

and is decided by the market based on various aspect of quality of the

raw material and market.

B. This will have a negative impact on the industry itself.

C. The energy efficiencies of the Plant & Machinery are not competitive

and comparable with other Asian countries.

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D. Effluent treatment plants are to be considered as energy recovery

plants rather than meeting statutory laws to satisfy pollution control

boards.

E. Post World Trade Organization scenario needs to be discussed further

to impress both political and administrative will to announce support

base price of cassava products.

F. Quality of the food products needs to be improved and concessions

should be passed on to the customer to encourage diversification of

products for food.

G. The need to develop high yielding varieties; identifying areas of

additional use in the industry; prolonged storability of the products; and

the like are also to be addressed.

H. To sustain this industry, support minimum price for tuber and products

needs to be addressed, for the industries able to address energy

efficiency measures to show quantitative achievements. This criteria

enforces the efficient industrial activity and quality of the end product.

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POLICY OPTIONS;

1. Cassava in India is basically introduced as a staple food. Cassava as

a Commercial crop to produce primary starch started after Second

World War. The conflict between staple food and as an industrial raw

material is emerging as a reality due to ever changing preference to

rice & cereals. This will continue in all accounts and now it is the time

to explore possibilities to stabilize and to stimulate the existing

cassava utilization pattern to continue. In fact, in some Asian

countries, for example: Thailand, the beginning of cassava

introduction was in response to an opportunity of export as live stock

feed, and crop expanded further and established industries for making

high quality starch suited for international export. This trend is found

with Indonesia also.

2. In the wake of stable yields per ha+ in India, a break through research

is expected to develop a highly acceptable variety to suit various agro-

climatic conditions to stabilize & improve yield in states that are

emerging as cassava growers keeping in view in rate at which the

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situation is changing. Also, to encourage small dry land farmers to

grow this crop under rural employment option and stabilize cassava for

feed and as food to some extent. This trend helps in producing more

cassava and to bring down costs of industrial products and exposing

excess cassava for other options.

3. Incentives to produce Cassava in very inferior soils; concessions for

products used in food and feed may help further. Facilities to transport

Cassava to processing units or to encourage local processing units

help this sector to search for local utility options and encourage stable

economy in rural areas.

4. There is a greater scope to improve on post harvest technologies in

transporting fresh tubes to processing industry, on methods of

processing it self; storing of by-products, packing of products after

proper drying. In fact, every step in this whole exercise requires

efficiency and promptness. The existing industries must further

improve on this to suit products sold over the world in quality and price

competitiveness.

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5. 95% of Indian Cassava processing industries is energy inefficient (?) to

a maximum extent. Due to unprecedented price fluctuations of raw

material and market absorption trend, the investments to improve on

plant & machinery is always relegated. In fact, this is a vicious circle

and if the industry does not attach importance, the products may not

find outside market and local markets prices may not be

commensurate.

6. The socio-economic change due to growth in per capita income and

preference to food choices requires an honest assessment based on

geographically different regions of this country based on different

strata. This analysis helps in identifying existing over production of

cassava and helps to divert the same for better options to sustain the

economy of the sector. May be inclusion of Cassava products and

their purchase under international aid programs that are in operation in

war-torn, natural disasters and the like can help and support cassava

without loosing its status of a staple food and promotes exports.

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7. A National Policy on Cassava, based on scientific consensus is

required to promote further cassava based rural, urban economies and

the dependent industrial activity. To effect this change ----

(I) To encourage Cassava cultivation further on all very poor

soils and on waste lands by incorporating high yielding

varieties & other agricultural practices to increase higher

levels of cassava availability.

(II) To encourage diversification of cassava utilization by offering

incentives on par or in line with that of other minor grain

crops, by considering cassava as an important crop.

(III) Identifications of technologies to utilize cassava based

products to meet captive energy demands of the industry

and to support such activities without compromising the

status & role of Cassava as a staple food/feed.

EMERGING DIVERSIFICATION OPTIONS

It is obvious and pertinent that utilization of agro-industrial by-

products (that are not directly or indirectly consumed by man and animal) for

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other activities, either as industrial raw material or as fuels to support energy

requirements of the same industrial activity or otherwise. In fact due to ever

expanding opportunities to source raw material for various economic

profitable applications, the agro industrial sector is always facing stiff

competition. In identifying the raw material on long-term basis. The concept

of whole plant utilization of rice, encouraged rice bran, straw and husk for

cardboards (parting with traditional uses) and the like; sugarcane bagasse

pendulating between cost preferences of co-generation and for

manufacturing of paper and boards. Cotton stalks, pulse residues, hulls of

oilseeds and the like too have more options to check-in as long as costs are

satisfactory and the application being secondary. There is no wrong in

search for proper tariff assurances in the light of fluctuating agro based

industry, but a proper policy to direct and divert known qualities of agro

based biomass for captive power applications, can bail-out tiny industries

from being sick due to lack of modernization and other various reasons. In

fact, a policy to extend incentives linked for these agro industries to explore

and deploy at least 20% from renewable energy sources will go a long way

in sustainable agro based practices and ensured local development with

more and more SSI unit supporting each other mutually assured co-

existence with increased entrepreneurship and employment opportunities.

A non conventional outlook for cassava is also emerging as an

alternative due to dwindling conventional outlets and changing preferences

based on costs and convenience on comparison with similar products. It

seems that cassava, as a fuel crop will take more lead in coming decades

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and simultaneous assurance for food security to the extent required to

overcome spells of famine and drought. With an average mean growth rate

of 8 to 9 gram m2/dayyielding fresh tuber at ± 37 tones per hectare indicates

the photosynthetic efficiency of the crop and its genetic characteristic as a

tuber crop under Euphorbiaceae family. The cash requirements to grow

cassava including, fertilizers and pesticides and harvesting alone stands at

a maximum of 25% on farm; to the value of the yield per hectare at

processing industries indicates the stored energy efficiency of the crop at

75%. The ratio of tuber to crop tops always range between 70:30 and 60:40

depending on various agro-climatic and crop protection practices as inputs.

All these characteristics indicates that the of exploitation of cassava for food

also needs to be experimented and extended to produce energy

requirements of the crop dependent activities to integrate the whole activity

to sustain without external interference; so that the industry can produce

value added high quality end products to compete internal and external

markets attracting remunerative prices. Unless major initiatives are pushed

through to demonstrate to average farmer and industrialist, the gross

wisdom of the whole exercise will never reach the bottom. In fact,

demonstration of such new ideas should find a lower level platform rather

than a big industrial group for the reason, big, rich and powerful not always

prefer to share their experience, fame; business secret of the success and

ideas with small and vulnerable.

EMERGING ENERGY OPTIONS

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Around the world, some countries took more initiative to explore

cassava for fuel production. Some R & D activities, had recorded that

approximately 5000-5500 liter of alcohol can be produce from ± 30 tons per

hectare fresh tubes. In this process externally sourcing energy in the form of

wood for alcohol production was found to be less competitive compared to

cassava dried stalks as a fuel. However, cassava based processing

industries also fully aware of the biochemical potential of waste by-products

and end effluents. Effluents also contain appreciable potential to produce

biogas through anaerobic fermentation. Similarly, addition of other by-product

namely thippi, which is strictly parenchymatous in nature, also added to

further the gas production. In India, till late 1980s, the industrial effluents are

discharged without proper treatment causing ground and surface water

contamination. The mandatory laws of pollution control boards stimulated the

cassava industry in India to install Effluent Treatment Plants (ETP’s). By and

large 95% of the industries achieved ETP status, though the actual expected

purpose is not fully met with. Late 1990s has seen a resurgence of activity in

converting these ETP’s to produce biogas without further modifying the

designs to maximize the output. Some industries have visible and

quantitative benefits if the size of the ETP and quantity of effluents are higher

based on the industrial activity. This biogas was put forth for both thermal and

power applications. However, it is just pity that there is no definite data

available or collected by either the industry concerned or likeminded

institutions on the contribution of these ETP’s strengthening the health of

industry, environmental quality and levels of energy recovery.

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ETP’S: As long as ETP’s are passive components of cassava industry and

the wisdom of ignoring the vast biochemical potential of effluents indicates the

degree of ignorance of the technocrats not able to reach the best. Also

indicates loosing of excellent opportunities to convert ETP’s as Energy

Transforming Plants-leading to an active interaction of these plants of the

industry to lead and fuel the business as a whole.

Biochemical Potential of Wastewater:- The effluents have very high

energy contents in the discharged. The table ___ below explains the

reduction of COD & BOD in an existing plant in operation in Salem district.

The extent of the said reduction indicates the energy potential. Addition of

thippi further increases the over all potential for energy recovery. In fact, the

present ETP’s which are not designed for energy recovery are functioning at

an average 50% efficiency. In the event of fresh cassava put to use for

energy generation, the potential availability of energy must be as high as to

satisfy the total energy requirements of the industry. In fact, cooperative

movement to put a common energy recovery plant will help in generating

power for captive consumption and in off season to export to the electricity

board grid. This helps industry to earn in off season also. Otherwise,

individual industries can also put up plants to do the same job. The difference

between biochemical potential and thermo-chemical potential some times

makes the experts to under quote the energy potential of fresh tubers. In fact,

fresh tubers produce energy and their theoretical & practical limits through

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bio-methanation route needs to be examined separately, but not by

comparing the dried tubers and their thermo-chemical potentials through

gasification or combustion. May be specializing in subjects narrows down the

wisdom of understanding the practical issues (?).

Table

THE BIO CHEMICAL POTENTIAL OF EFFLUENT WATER Sl. No Parameters Untreated Treated

1 PH 4.75 8.252 Total suspended solids mg/l 1060 203 Total dissolved solids mg/l 4195 14204 Chloride (as Cl) mg/l 365 3655 Sulphates (as SO4) mg/l 540 2046 Oil and grease mg/l 8 Nil7 BOD mg/l 7680 1.428 COD mg/l 10,560 249 Ammonical nitrogen mg/l 1.6 0.56

10 Total kjeldhal nitrogen 37.55 2.2411 Sulphide (as S) 4 Nil

Table Biochemical potential of Thippi

Sl.No. Constituents % 1 Water 11-12 2 Protein

0.85

3 Fats 0.30 4 Carbohydrates

56.20

5 Fibre

10.60

6 Sugar

1.20

At present, these ETP’s are working as batch fed digesters without

proper intervals followed to understand the levels of performance. As of now,

there is no actual dependable date of statistical significance to pin point the

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gas production parameters. Based on the characteristics of the wastewaters,

the expected gas production was appreciated, but no concrete data to

establish at what levels of total solids, PH, the maximum gas can be derived.

It is very important that a proper R & D is to be undertaken in the field itself

before PH levels come down to establish the behavior of waste water till the

end of the whole exercise is over. Funding such project once again to do

honest job is badly required though some references and experience is

documented. This notes has no scope to discuss the possible pathways of

biogas production, microbial consortia, other parameter, since the emphasis is

to establish undisputable argument that cassava deserves to be coveted as a

cash and fuel crop.

The gas generated and accumulated is being used by the industry for

thermal and electrical applications. However to what extent this contribution

satisfies the energy needs of this seasonal industry is not established. Apart

from this, it is estimated for every 10 tons of sago produced, at least 2.0 T of

biomass and 350 – 400 liters of diesel is being spent. In the case of roasting

sago, the power levels are stand at consuming half a ton of biomass and 150

– 200 liters of diesel for every 10 tons. Though this industry was never

subjected to honest assessment for power utility in terms of cost of production

of sago, it is observed that for every kg of sago produced at accost of Rs.2/- is

being spent on power alone with an average of 0.75 units of power. This

indicates that, unless the industry and policy makers allow energy self

reliance, this industry continue to exploit fossil fuels and biomass to produce

products whose market values have no major changes. Even the efficiency

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levels of these fuels put to use requires immediate attention. For cooking

application, biomass in the form of coconut husk, shells and roots of

casuarina and eucalyptus and other woody portions are extensively used and

the efficiencies are not properly verified. In addition to this, the plant and

machinery is as old as the industry itself and for such energy systems, higher

power tariff is being paid. It is estimated that on average per season, as high

as 1.0 lakh tons of biomass is being used apart from the energy cost of plant

and machinery. This clearly indicates that, unless the industry becomes self-

sustainable along with modernization, the future seems to be sticky as of now.

Once cassava itself is consider as a fuel, the whole scenario will change

positively bringing small and marginal farmer to grow the crop more efficiently.

To what extent the crop requires to be diverted for power generation without

compromising with the food security requires a policy decision. Once cassava

is available for energy needs ---

The Immediate Options

A. Cassava industry must derive its energy requirements from its

internally available resources like – peals, Thippi & ETP’s to produce

biogas.

B. Treatment plants must be designed to meet the total energy

requirements of the industry. Lower grade fresh cassava tubers to

supplement must supplement whatever is falling short. If necessary to

sustain the gaps, can be filled by cassava directly.

C. Based on the location of industries as clusters, common energy

sourcing plants along with wastewater treatment needs to be explored.

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D. The overall total energy consumption by this industry can be switched

over to generate electric power from Cassava itself as an emerging

new technology option; if not as an industrial Waste.

E. To achieve the said above, a carefully thought cassava policy to

come into force to divert and direct to what extent of Cassava can be

used for power generation. This law must support base minimum prize

of fresh tubers uniformly for both the applications. In fact, diversion of

fresh tuber will never cross not more than 15% of total annual

production. This helps very small and marginal farmers to take-up

cassava cultivation. Even household back yards, kitchen gardens etc.,

will find cassava once such values are added & indicated.

F. Once the industry sustains on its own on energy requirements

improvements to burn biomass for other applications to comedown

drastically by employing suitable systems to operate. Integrating

renewable energy systems wherever is possible makes the whole

operation energy efficient and further improves once modernization

take place.

G. With the options available in the present existing scenario of

cassava utilization considering it as an energy security is also a

wise and apt decision. Hence, Cassava should be treated as- “for

food and energy security”.

The emerging trends in cassava production and productivity levels are

satisfying. The growing industrial activity to produce sago and starch by other

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non-traditional states in India indicates that these two products face stiff

competition within the country in years to come. This may reflect on the basic

foundation of the cassava industry and business trend to become non

remunerative. The dwindling preference to cassava for food in its own

contributory levels is directly proportional to the urbanization, purchasing

power and preferences of present society and future. Even this trend is well

registered all over the cassava cultivating countries. Further, the feed

industry is anxiously awaiting breakthrough in R & D efforts to maximize

cassava utility in terms of comparative costs, nutritive value and suitability. In

the post WTO (World Trade Organization) scenario, the degree of Indian

industry to compete with international standards, quality products and costs,

seems to be not encouraging based on the existing plant and machinery and

other operational factors. May be one or two industries can rise to the

occasion but definitely not all. This may for a short span of time creates

artificial fall of cost of tuber and extensive availability due to over production.

To keep the industry surviving and to diversify the economic options, “There

is a need to arrive at national consensus and to use cassava for energy

security also. To what extent this diversification is to be allowed and other

should be the part of the policy formulation.” This trend infuses the diluting

enthusiasm of cassava industry and encourages in flow of investments and

within ten years to come, the industry can emerge as the best international

player.

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Press Coverage of events on 2nd February 2002

"Business Meet on Solar Thermal Applications in Textiles,

Agro and Educational Institutions" held at Erode, Tamil Nadu.

Venue: Club Melaange, Perundurai Road, Erode.

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Press Coverage of events on 9th February 2002

"Business Meet on Energy Recovery from Tapioca Processing

waste water" held at Salem, Tamil Nadu.

Venue: Hotel Cennys Gateway, Sarada College Main Road, Salem.

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Recommendations of the Business Meet on Energy Recovery from

Processing waste water" held at Salem, Tamil Nadu on 9-2-2002 Tapioca

1. Industries with less than 8ton/ (800M3) crushing capacity or classified

under cottage industries may be considered for awarding capital

subsidy to install biogas plants to support 25-30 kw of electrical power

for 10hrs/day. For such systems integrating ETP`s with biogas plants

needs to be linked properly keeping view the financial strength of the

industry and utilisation pattern.

2. Systems falling between 800-3000M3 of gas per day to meet the energy

requirements of the industries with proven track record of supporting

the waste water exclusively from the process industries may be

considered for interest subsidy without involving specialized DPR`s

for obvious reasons.

3. Systems above 100 kw electrical power may be classified for

preparation of DPR`s.

For all the systems referred as above 1,2,and 3, the sago

industries had specially requested for local Regional Office must be

involved in granting feasibility report and the like to Sago Serve for further

processing the applications for considering under interest subsidy.

4. Cassava industry must derive its energy requirements from its

internally available resources like – peals, Thippi & ETP’s to produce

biogas.

5. Treatment plants must be designed to meet the total energy

requirements of the industry. Lower grade fresh cassava tubers to

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supplement must supplement whatever is falling short. If necessary to

sustain the gaps, can be filled by cassava directly.

Contd….2

(2)

6. Based on the location of industries as clusters, common energy

sourcing plants along with wastewater treatment needs to be explored.

7. The overall total energy consumption by this industry can be switched

over to generate electric power from Cassava itself as an emerging new

technology option; if not as an industrial Waste.

8. Effluent treatment plants are to be considered as energy recovery

plants rather

than meeting statutory laws to satisfy pollution control boards.

Dr. P.Radhakrishna Director.

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Regional Office, Chennai has conducted Business Meet on

Energy Recovery from Tapioca processing waste water"

held at Salem, Tamil Nadu. The said meet was inaugurated

by Hon`ble Minister of State for Non-conventional Energy

Sources, Thiru M.Kannappan. Dignitaries from political

and administrative circles had attended the meet. Regional

Office is very proud that 95% of all the SSI`s invited had

participated in the meet. The details of the various aspects

of the meet and recommendations are enclosed for reference.

Various issues for considering the energy efficiencies in

Tapioca Industry were discussed at length and the consensus

of the day`s deliberations indicate that renewable energy

systems have a major role to play in reducing both thermal

and electrical energy dependence on fossil fuels. A thought

provoking proposal in the form of a book-let brought by

Regional Office has attracted the attention of the scientists,

industry, common man and media & press.

Dr. P RADHAKRISHNA

Director.

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Report on

"Business Meet on Energy Recovery from Tapioca Processing waste

water"

held at Salem, Tamil Nadu.

Date & Venue: 9-2-2002 Hotel Cennys Gateway, Sarada College Main Road, Salem.

Recommendations of the Business Meet on Solar Thermal Applications in Agro & Textile Industries and Educational

Institutions" held at Erode, Tamil Nadu on 2-2-2002

1. All the manufactures, dealers requested for extending the Soft

Loan Scheme during the 10th five year plan.

2. To fill up gap between 2000 – 4000 lpd for financial assistance it

is proposed by manufactures the upper limit of the Soft Loan

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Scheme should be raised to 5000 lpd. This facility takes care

minimum threshold loan lending limit prescribed by IREDA.

3. The enthusiasm and attitude to fiancé Solar Water Heating

Systems by nationalized banks is not uniform. An alternative was

suggested by public, manufactures and dealers as follows. For

example in each state, the scheme will be operated by a

designated nodal nationalized bank. Throughout in the state any

bank or financial institution authorized by Reserve Bank of India

can extend the loan by informing the transaction to the nodal

bank. This nodal bank in turn will disburse the adjustable interest

portion to the respective banks on mutually agreed terms and

conditions.

4. The above said modification of the Soft Loan Scheme will

improve and cut short all field oriented administrative problems

associated with area of operation by individual bank branches.

That means customer can approach any bank with whom he has

financial transaction assuring the bank required confidence cutting

across all kinds of problems. Contd…2

(2)

5. Few customers have also insisted that the storage tanks also

should be covered under BIS mark.

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6. The nodal bank must be advised to complete the financial target in

given stipulated time frame.

7. The Ministry also must impress Urban Development Ministry

(Government of India) to make Solar Water Heating Systems

mandatory for all public buildings such as guest houses, R & D

laboratories /institutions, hospitality sector like ITDC, state

tourism development corporations.

8. MNES to recommend state electricity boards for concessional

power tariff for users of Solar Water Heating Systems throughout

the country. Unless this is achieved, the visible benefits of the

program can never be felt.

Dr. P RADHAKRISHNA Director

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Regional Office, Chennai has conducted a Business Meet on Solar

Thermal Applications in Agro & Textile Industries and Educational

Institutions held at Erode, Tamil Nadu. The said meet was

inaugurated by Hon`ble Minister of State for Non-conventional

Energy Sources, Thiru M.Kannappan. Dignitaries from political and

administrative circles had attended the meet. It is to note that 95% of

the Agro & Textile Industries and Educational institutions in five

districts around Erode had participated in the meet. About 225

participants attended the meet and on the same day a number of

industries have announced their intention to install solar water

heating systems amounting to 20,000 lpd. Regional Office had also

conducted a very detailed system-wise performance of all the solar

thermal industries and complied the data. For the statistical

significance the data complied was reclassified into various categories

and the role of soft loan scheme systems was analysed for the past four

years. The details of the performance data was published by

Regional Office as an internal circulation under technical paper No.

15 for the benefit of the industry and the division concerned at Head

quarters. Based on the data available Regional Office also complied

the important points for further improving the existing soft loan

scheme for perusal of the Ministry. To complete this task Regional

Office has physically verified 675 solar water heating systems of

various capacities, and of different industries. The other aspects of

the meet and recommendations are enclosed for reference.

Dr. P RADHAKRISHNA

Director.

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This Report Contains

A. Recommendations

B. Technical paper No. 15 of Regional Office

C. News paper coverage

D. Visual coverage

E. List of participants.

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