SUSTAINABLE WATER MANAGEMENT FOR CASSAVA (Manihot esculenta) PRODUCTION IN NIGERIA

Nigeria is the largest producer of cassava with annual output of 34 to 60 million tons of tuberous root. Cassava production has been increased for the past 25 years in area cultivated and yield per hectare, almost all the cassava produced is used for human consumption with less than 5% as industrial raw material. Compare to other crops, cassava is more tolerant to poorly fertile soil and resistant to drought. The water requirements for cassava production is relatively low owing to the fact that cassava is tolerant to drought, it can therefore strive well under green water supply depending on the nature and terrain of the arable land. Net water consumption can expressed volume of water per unit output. During the overall cropping season, both green and blue water supply is required at different stages of production and in different proportion. Cassava also responds well to irrigation (Blue water), drip irrigation with its ability of small and frequent water application have created interest in view of decreased water requirement, possible increased production, and better product quality.