Project Bella Vista, Paraguay

The south of Paraguay is sparsely populated and has little industrial infrastructure. The rural population largely lives in poor conditions. In this structurally weak region, a large number of people live from the plant products that they cultivate on rented land. Plants are grown from these in niche areas, such as cassava. The roots are harvested to produce starch and transported to a local starch factory. The starch is washed out of the roots and accounts for approx. 40% of the mass of the roots. The residue obtained after starch extraction is not used commercially. Due to the low added value that can be obtained from the starch extraction from the cassava roots, the cultivation and harvesting of cassava roots is hardly profitable.

Local government representatives were introduced to the possibilities of a full material use of the cassava roots, which can be achieved by using the unlocking and manufacturing processes. Feasibility of using this technique to convert the residual material to products for human consumption was successfully documented on site, so that a model project will be carried out together with the local starch factory.

The project funds are used to design a manufacturing unit that will be located in the immediate vicinity of the starch factory. It was shown that dietary fiber that is usable for humans and has practically no caloric value can be produced from the vegetable residue of the starch factory.

By increasing the added value, it should be possible for small farmers to receive at least 20% more income from the supplied roots than before.