EURO GREEN TRADING

How To Start Tapioca Chips Production

Tapioca dry chips can be processed in a variety of ways to arrive at different products including as gari, fufu, lafun, starch, chips and pellets, etc. Tapioca dry chips chips are unfermented white dried products of Tapioca dry chips with an average diameter of 3mm – 5mm often used as a carbohydrate base in the animal feed industry particularly in Europe, or milled into flour for other uses such as in the production of ethanol, cakes, dough nut and biscuits.
Tapioca Chips as an industrial product is wide. It cuts across so many industries such as distilleries, pharmaceutical, food and most especially the animal feed industry. The estimated demand for Tapioca Chips in Nigeria was found to be in excess of 1,500,000T/annum.
1. Benefits of Tapioca Chips Production
There is a high export demand in China especially for ethanol production. In fact, Nigeria is planning to export chips to China to the tune of 1,100,000T this year. This is a clear indication that Tapioca Chips has a high market potential.
The international price of Tapioca chips fluctuates between $1, 200 and $1,300 per metric tonne. Locally, it is sold at N120, 000 per tonne.
The above facts make the project to be socially desirable and economically viable. It is also technically feasible and highly profitable. With a good management and marketing approach, a minimum profit margin of N20,000 is obtainable from producing a tone of good quality Tapioca chips.
The project researched on targets a minimum processing capacity of 102tones per day, which implies an average production output of 25tones per day. This gives a minimum profit margin of N500, 000 which translates to N14, 000, 000 monthly.
However, the processing and production capacity of the plant can be doubled if the factory operates a two shift program. This by extension doubles the profitability of the venture.
2. Tapioca Chips Production Process
(a) Peeling: Production of Tapioca chips starts with the peeling of the Tapioca. Peeling can be done mechanically or manually. Mechanical peelers peel as much as 2,400 – 2,500Kg per hour with a wastage rate of 30-40% while manual peeling does 22Kg per man hour and wastage of 20-25%.
Mechanical peelers are problematic because of the non-uniform nature of the Tapioca roots and the irregularity in size which make smooth peeling difficult. Also, the thickness of the skin, the texture and the strength of adhesion to the flesh of the tuber differ from specie to specie thereby making over-peeling and under-peeling possible. As a result of these problems, processors prefer manual peeling for now till the mechanical is perfected.
(b) Washing: The peeled tubers are thoroughly washed to remove all dirt and sand that may adhere to them. Export requirements insist that sand content should not be more than 2%.
(c) Chipping: The washed tubers are carted to the chipping machines where they are chipped into small chips of about 1-2 centimetre thickness and 6-7 cm long. The sizes at times depend on the prescription of the order.
(d) Drying: The wet chips are taken to the Rotary Dryer where they are dried to 12-14% moisture content.
(e) Bagging: they are then weighed and bagged in 50kg polypropylene bags and stored.
3. Raw Material Required
The major raw material is Tapioca tubers. The average daily output capacity of the Plant is 25Mt. The daily raw material requirement is therefore 100-105Mt of Tapioca tubers and the monthly requirement is about 2,652Mt.
It should be noted that four metric tons of wet chips will produce one MT of dried chips.
4. Cost Implication
The cost of procurement and installation of machinery is about eight million five hundred and fifty thousand naira (N8, 550, 000). Other facilities that will be needed at the plant are; Generator, Stitching Machine, Industrial Scale, Pickup Van, Borehole or other sources of water, Trolleys etc. This implies that about fifteen million naira will be required to conveniently kick-start the project.

Allows you to gain weight:

If you are underweight, or if you know somebody who is underweight, suggest them to try tapioca. Tapioca is great for gaining weight and to build up muscle in a healthy way. This is because it contains high amounts of carbohydrates in it. So, consuming tapioca allows you to gain weigh quickly. You get tapioca easily in the market and it is also not very expensive. You need not spend too much time in preparing it either.

Boosts growth of muscles:

Tapioca or Tapioca is effective for muscle growth. It is rich in proteins and a must for vegetarians. Because of the high amounts of protein in tapioca, it is good for the growth of muscles and for making them stronger. It is also good for healing your body and for allowing other functions of the body to take place smoothly.

Good for the bones:

Calcium is found in high amounts in tapioca. It helps in maintaining the blood pressure and also improves the blood cholesterol. The high amounts of potassium in tapioca helps in increasing blood circulation. It is also good for reducing the strain on your cardiovascular system.

Good for nerve health:

Tapioca is also good for the health of your nerves. It is rich in Vitamin K, which has the power to promote osteotropic activity. It is also found to be beneficial for your brain and mind. Presence of Vitamin K in it makes you less susceptible to various diseases, like Alzheimer’s disease. It also helps in keeping your mind active and engaged all the time.

Improves energy levels:

Tapioca is a good source of energy. Many people feel tired and run out of energy before the end of the day. This may be because they are not eating enough carbohydrates. A good remedy for this situation is to consume tapioca. It is one of the quickest and easiest ways to get the required energy. It will help you energetic and healthy throughout the day.

Improves digestion:

Consuming some more tapioca is an excellent way to improve digestion. It is very beneficial for getting rid of gas problems, bloating and flatulence. It is also good for keeping the levels of cholesterol within normal levels and for keeping your body healthy.

Stops birth defects:

Tapioca is also very effective for controlling birth defects. This is because it contains folic acid and Vitamin B complex. These allow the foetus to grow healthy and steadily, and reduce the risks of birth defects in your baby.

Uses of Tapioca:

Tapioca can be used for preparing scrumptious and edible dishes like Tapioca khichdi, pakodas and kheer. You can prepare these dishes easily and it does not take much of your time. These dishes are also tasty.

Tapioca Khichdi:

Tapioca khichdi is a popular dish in India. It is mainly prepared for dinner. It is very healthy and is rich in proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins that are needed for your body.

Ingredients needed:?

One cup of Tapioca
Half a cup of roasted peanuts
Two medium sized potatoes, finely chopped
half a teaspoon of cumin seeds
2 tablespoons of oil
2 green chillies
Salt for taste

Preparation Steps:

Wash the Tapioca well and drain it. Let it dry for the next 2 hours or so. You can sprinkle some water on it to keep it moist. Take another glass bowl and add oil, cumin seeds, potatoes and green chillies to it. Cover it with a lid and keep it in the microwave for 2 minutes. Let the potatoes get soft. Now you can add some soaked Tapioca, peanuts and salt to it. Mix well and put a lid on the bowl. Then keep it in the microwave for another two minutes. You can serve it with green chutney and seeds.