Adukku Muttan (Tapioca)
It is predominantly seen in Kanyakumari district with the cropping cycle of six months. Tubers are small with increased starch and possess good cooking quality. Processed tubers can be stored upto 3 months after dehydration (processed one). It is suitable for making food items like “kizhangu puttu’ – steamed flour sweetened or spiced. After processing powder obtained from the tuber is given to children. For both the varieties described above, the best suited soil is light sandy loam. Planting can be taken up in May-June. The crop does not grow well in other districts of Tamil Nadu because the soil type, required seed material is not suitable and available at the place. So care should be taken in selection of varieties and their season. Tapioca is an important subsidiary food and used in different forms. Yield of the crop varies from 30-35 tonnes/ha.