"Food
was
scarce, so we never asked
for a second
helping"
--S.Sivadas, retired journalist.
Click
for more.
Major events of this
period
The Syonan Shimbun, March 2, Syowa 19
THE cultivation of tapioca is now playing an important role in the increased production of foodstuffs in Malai, being only next to the production of rice.
This is because tapioca is the best among the various accessory foodstuffs in Malai as regard cultivation crops and taste.
The serious shortage of foodstuffs in Malai during the last World War was lessened through the production of tapioca. Tapioca was originally planted in South America, and it is believed that the plant was sent to Singapore and Malacca during the middle of the 19th century. The cultivation of tapioca was very popular until the 20th century when the cultivation of rubber forged ahead. Tapioca then became a catch crop on rubber estates.
The area under tapioca also increased during the year 2000. There were 18,992 ha under tapioca cultivation in Malai, mostly in Perak, Johore and Kedah, with the "grow more food" drive being intensified under the Gunsei, the area increased to more than 35,559 ha towards the end of 3602. This further increased to about 59,805 ha by the end of last year.
The best way to make sure when the plant should be harvested is to find out whether the roots have grown big enough. The crops usually vary from seven to 10 tons per acre, according to the species of tapioca and the manner in which it is cultivated.
Copyright © 1998 Singapore Press Holdings. All Rights Reserved.
