Cassava holds a significant place in Indonesia's agricultural landscape. It is the third most consumed food commodity in the country, following rice and corn. Indonesia has a vast potential for cassava cultivation, with around 1.4 million hectares of land dedicated to its growth, yielding approximately 24.56 million tons annually. However, currently, cassava is often underutilized, mainly used for direct consumption or as animal feed. To maximize the commercial value of cassava, a growing number of cassava farmers are expanding into cassava flour processing.

Here, Henan Jinrui provides a comprehensive guide outlining the key steps in Indonesia's transition from cassava planting to cassava flour processing.

1. Market Research & Feasibility Study

Before expanding from cassava planting to cassava flour processing, the first step is to conduct cassava flour market research and feasibility study.

- Demand Analysis: Identify the local and international markets for cassava flour. Cassava flour is widely used in traditional Indonesian foods and has a significant market demand in local. Its diverse applications (e.g., in the food, textile, and pharmaceutical industries) also make it popular in the international market.

- Competitor Analysis: Research existing cassava flour processors in Indonesia (e.g., large-scale producers like PT. Gunung Sewu, as well as small-scale local producers). Study their successful business models.

Cassava flour processing

2. Business Plan Development

Developing a business plan is also a key step in entering the cassava flour processing industry in Indonesia. The business plan should include investment budget, operation model, target market and other planning.

- Investment Budget: Estimate costs for equipment, labor, utilities, and marketing.

- Operation Model: Determine pricing based on production costs and market rates.

- Target Market: Define short-term (local market penetration) and long-term (export) goals.

3. Building Cassava Supply Chain

From cassava planting to cassava flour processing, ensuring a stable supply of cassava is the key. Even if you plant a lot of cassava in Indonesia, establishing a stable cassava supply chain is also necessary for developing a cassava flour processing business.

- Partnerships: Collaborate with local farmers via contract farming to ensure supply.

- Improve Yield: Use high-yield varieties (e.g., Adira 4, Malang 6) and best farming practices.

- Storage: Build or rent warehouses to store harvested cassava before processing.

Cassava flour processing plant

4. Building Cassava Flour Processing Plant

Before officially starting cassava flour processing in Indonesia, it is necessary to establish a cassava flour processing plant site. The selection of the plant site and the layout of infrastructure are crucial to the stable operation of the cassava flour processing plant.

- Location Selection: Choose a location close to cassava farms to reduce transportation costs.

- Infrastructure Layout: Ensure access to clean water and reliable electricity (or alternative energy sources).

5. Invest Processing Equipment

To process cassava flour in Indonesia, it is necessary to invest in modern processing equipment. Traditional cassava flour processing methods are inefficient and poor quality, which cannot maximize the profit of cassava flour processing. If you are planning to expand from cassava planting to cassava flour processing, Henan Jinrui recommends that you first invest in simple processing equipment.

Cleaning & Peeling Machine – Removes dirt and skin.

Crushing Machine – Cuts cassava into smaller pieces and crush into mash.

Dehydration Machine – Filter press machine for removing water.

Drying Equipment – Flash dryer for drying cassava flour.

Sieving/Packaging Machine – Refines and packs flour.

Cassava flour processing machines

6. Quality Control & Certifications

Good quality can bring high profits, so if you expand from cassava planting to cassava flour processing, it is essential to establish a high-quality control system.

- Food Safety Standards: Comply with Indonesia’s National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) regulations.

- International Certifications: If targeting exports, consider certifications like ISO, HACCP, or Halal certification.

- Starch Content Testing: Ensure high starch content (above 25%) for premium flour quality.

7. Marketing Strategies

Once you have successfully expanded from cassava planting to cassava flour processing, you will also need to develop a suitable marketing strategy to sell the processed cassava flour faster and bring you greater profits.

- Local Markets: Sell to bakeries, snack producers, and traditional markets in Indonesia.

- Export Opportunities: Target Malaysia, Thailand, Africa, and the Middle East.

- Online Sales: Use platforms like Tokopedia, Shopee, or Alibaba

- B2B Partnerships: Supply to food manufacturers (e.g., noodle, biscuit companies).

Cassava flour processing plant in Indonesia

Suggestions for expanding from cassava planting to cassava flour processing

The above is Henan Jinrui’s comprehensive guidance on the expanding from cassava planting to cassava processing in Indonesia. However, there are still many challenges to successfully complete the transformation. Below are some suggestions from Henan Jinrui to help you successfully complete the transformation from cassava planting to cassava flour processing.

- Small Scale Testing: Start small to refine the process.

- Seasonal Supply: Establish storage facilities or work with multiple farmers to ensure year-round cassava supply.

- Modern Equipment: Invest modern processing equipment for high quality and high efficiency cassava flour production.

Expanding from cassava farming to flour processing in Indonesia presents a lucrative opportunity for farmers and entrepreneurs. By ensuring a stable supply, investing in proper equipment, maintaining quality standards, and implementing strong marketing strategies, businesses can tap into both local and global cassava flour markets. Investing in modern processing equipment can help Indonesian cassava flour processors produce high-quality cassava flour more efficiently and maximize the profits. If you're considering transitioning from cassava planting to cassava flour processing, please contact Henan Jinrui! We'll provide professional guidance and advice to help you start your cassava flour business!