Publisher's Synopsis
"The Complete Guide to Sustainable Cassava Farming in the Philippines" by Edilberto "Sandy" Santiago Jr. is the definitive handbook for anyone-hobbyist or commercial grower-who wants to cultivate cassava in a way that's both profitable and eco-friendly. Born and raised in Norzagaray, Bulacan, Edilberto draws on his lifetime of experience in a humble agricultural family to walk you step-by-step through:
Farm Planning & Variety Selection: How to choose the right cassava varieties for your soil, climate, and market goals.
Soil Health & Organic Amendments: Practical methods for building fertile, living soils using compost, green manures, and natural fertilizers.
Planting & Water Management: Proven techniques for planting, irrigation, and mulching that maximize yields even in drought-prone or heavy-rain regions.
Integrated Pest & Disease Control: Sustainable pest-management strategies-crop rotation, intercropping, beneficial insects, and organic sprays-to keep your crop healthy without harmful chemicals.
Harvesting & Post-Harvest Handling: Timing the harvest for peak starch content, gentle handling to prevent spoilage, and storage tips that extend shelf life.
Value-Added Processing & Marketing: From cassava flour and chips to biofuel feedstocks, learn how to turn your harvest into high-value products and tap into local and export markets.
Business Planning & Resources: Templates for creating a cassava-focused business plan, plus pointers on government programs, NGO support, and farmer cooperatives.
Why read this book? Because it blends hands-on, field-tested guidance with the local insights of a Filipino grower who's lived every challenge and success of cassava farming. Whether you're a first-time home gardener or an agripreneur seeking to build a sustainable small business, this guide delivers the practical know-how you need to thrive-while caring for your land and community.
About the Author
Edilberto "Sandy" Santiago Jr. was born and raised in Norzagaray, Bulacan, Philippines, where he grew up in a humble agricultural family. A passionate advocate for sustainable farming, Edilberto brings decades of hands-on experience in cassava cultivation, soil health, and eco-friendly pest management to his writing. In addition to authoring practical guides on Filipino agriculture, he shares survival-skill tips and musical reflections on community and stewardship through his songwriting and blogging. With a deep commitment to empowering smallholder farmers and home gardeners alike, Edilberto Santiago Jr's work combines local insights with actionable techniques to nurture both the land and the people who depend on it.
