Tapioca will be ready for harvesting in 10-11 months after planting.  Short duration varieties can be harvested in 6-7 months.  The crop is harvested when the tubers achieve the maximum size.

Delayed harvest results in deterioration of quality of tubers.  The leaves and upper part of the cassava plant are removed before harvesting. This enables the harvester to easily grab the visible stem and pull the tubers from the ground.

Once removed from the soil, the tubers are separated from the root base. The stems are also stacked vertically in a well aerated place for use in subsequent season.

Remove the leaves of cassava two weeks prior to harvest. This practice will enhance the shelf life of tubers by two weeks. If the leaves are not pulled, the cassava will be spoiled within three days.