This plant is becoming very popular because of its health benefits. Another name for cassia tora is senna tora. It is prevalent in the northern part of Nigeria and the hausas calls it tafasa . In fact this plant is being exported to other countries especially China in large quantities like moringa seeds. I didn’t know about this crop until someone was mentioning items he exports, I did my research and found out the country called Nigeria is blessed with rich Agricultural resources. I still remember how I started moringa business, I could only source from the North but within 2 years almost every state had the plantation. Because it is easy to plant and establish. I see same thing happening to cassia tora. In this post you will get to know all it takes to start cassia tora farming.
Contact us if you have tafasa to sell in large quantities. I mean from one truck and above. We will connect you with where to supply but it comes with a fee.If you want us to partner you are welcome.
What is cassia tora?
It is a leguminous crop like moringa plant, and belongs to Fabaceae family. The legume, originates from Africa and Asia and can also be found in China and America. Tafasa is an annual legume that grows up to 2 meters tall with pinnate leaves having 3-6 pairs of leaflets.
Senna tora produces yellowish flowers, that forms flat brown and curved seed pods. The seed pods contain small shiny and brown seeds used for many beneficial purposes. Tafasa seeds are rich in protein, fiber, etc. The seeds are triangular shape with high medicinal value.
Step by step guide on Cassia fora farming
Climatic and soil requirements
Cassia tora farming requires organic sandy loam soil to grow well. Temperature needed for growth is between 25-35!°C and a rainfall of 700mm annually. It can grow both in the tropical regions and subtropical regions. A pH of 6.0-7.0 (slightly acidic) is good for optimum growth. Although, it can tolerate drought and poor soil conditions.
Land preparation
Clear the land to be used of trees, shrubs and grasses. Remove stumps, debris and till the land to loosen the soil. For large expanse of land use tractor. Make ridges after tilling the soil this is very important for places that are prone to erosion. The ridges should be spaced 1m apart for healthy growth. If necessary apply organic manure such as; compost or animal dung.
Cassia tora Cultivation
Seed selection is very important, you can go for hybrid seed because they grow healthy and quick. You can buy from seed banks and even the seeds sold in the market but are free of pests and diseases for high germination rate.
There are 2 ways to plant tafasa, either, directly into the soil or on seed beds. In case, you are using seed bed, sow the seeds in rows and cover them with a thin layer of soil. And be watering them regularly. Transplant the seedlings to the main field after 30 or 40 days
Make shallow furrows when planting directly into the soil and sow in a depth of 1-2 centimeters. Water the seeds immediately after planting. And keep irrigating your farm regularly throughout the growing period at adequate measure. Keep reducing the frequency of watering as the trees mature. Drip irrigation is the best method of irrigation because it allows even distribution of water to the crops. Avoid sprinkling as it can damage the delicate foliage of the fora.
Irrigation in cassia tora farming
It is a drought tolerant crop but for it to grow well always irrigate the plant. Keep the soil moist all through the germination period and other growing stages. Irrigation should be done when necessary,. If there is rainfall there is no need to water the plants, but water when there is no or shortage of rainfall.
Weeding
Ensure you weed your plantation two to thrice a year. If you allow weeds it will competes and drag nutrients, water and sunlight thereby affecting the productivity. For small scale you can use manual weeding then use machine for large scale cassia tora farming. Another, method is the use of herbicides but selective herbicides that targets specific types of weeds while leaving the cassia tora plants unharmed. Another way to control weeds is by Mulching. Use leaves, straws or sawdust for mulching.
Pest and disease control
Cassia tora plant is susceptible to various pests and diseases. If this diseases and pests are not control they will cause damage to the crops. Aphids is one of the most commonest pest, it causes stunted growth and deformities. Use organic insecticide to treat aphids. Another pest is pod borer, infected pods should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the larvae
Practice crop rotation , proper spacing and maintenance.
Health benefits of tafasa
Tafasa leaves can be boiled and used for the treatment of constipation, hemorrhoids, internal heat, stomach ulcer, intestinal worms and weight management. It improves liver functions, flush toxins of the stomach, treats infection.
The root of tafasa is used for treating snake bites.
Harvesting
Tafasa farming brings quick gains as Harvesting is between 100-120 days after sowing. When the plants turn yellow and the pods become dry it is ready for harvest. Cut the plant leaving about 2-3 inches of stem above the ground .
Bundle the plants after harvesting and leave it in the field for 5-7 days for complete drying. Thresh the dried cut plant to separate the pods from the plant. It can be done manually or by the use of threshing machine. Clean the pods to separate the seeds. Store the seeds in a cool dry place to preserve its quality. Make sure the seeds are dried to at least 0.8% moisture in other to maintain its market value.
Marketing
Sell directly to wholesalers or export your tafasa. If you have a full truck and above , I will direct you to off takers but with a fee.
You can process into various products such as; cassia tora split, cassia tora powder or cassia gum.
I will like to know more about the casiatora farming am in Ogun state can I do the farming in Ogun state then how long does it take to harvest it
Yes @Pamphile, you can grow cassia tora in Ogun state next season. It takes 3-4 months depending on the variety.