Tapioca 'Manna' Johnson's own; patent as protector of the crop

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Johnson Mathew, a native of Thiruvambadi, Kozhikode, with his sweet win through Tapioca. The Central Tuber Crops Research Institute has certified that this tapioca is different from the 22 varieties popular in Kerala. The variety 'Manna' has been registered with the Plant Diversity Conservation and Farmers' Rights Authority. Johnson has received a patent as the protector of the crop. Manna also holds the distinction of being the first tuber variety to be registered as a farmer's own variety in the country. It was confirmed that this variety does not exist anywhere else after studying the qualities of the variety for six years under the supervision of Dr. G. Baiju, Director of the Tuber Crops Research Centre. The research, which was started by scientist Dr. M.M. Sheela, was later completed by a team of scientists led by Dr. Visalakshi Chandra. A study was later conducted at the CTCRI centre in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

Given to acquaintances, finally to Sreekaryam

This variety was traditionally cultivated by the family. It was given only to acquaintances at harvest. Manna was given to the Tuber Research Institute at Sreekaryam much later.

Johnson, who has a degree in chemistry and a diploma in advertising and public relations, has been in agriculture for 20 years. He also grows rubber, fruits and vegetables. He is currently a participant in the trial project of the Tuber Research Institute on cassava varieties.

Very tasty

Very tasty variety. Longer in length

Harvest in 10-11 months

Resistance to Cassava Mosaic virus

The support of the Tuber Crops Research Centre for the recognition I received is very great.

-Johnson Mathew