are prone to spoilage over the storage time. Mostly, roots are transformed readily to a dried
form called cassava chips nearby the plantation areas. To produce chips, harvested roots are
cut into pieces manually or by small machine and then sun-dried. The dried chips contain
low moisture contents (< 14%), are less bulky, less costly for transportation and can be
stored for a year in the warehouse. In addition, dried cassava chips have comparable
characteristics as corn grains and can be processed by adopting conversion technology of
corn grains. Cares must be taken when storing dried chips as heat can be generated and
accumulated inside the heap. Therefore, the warehouse should have a good air ventilation
system to prevent overheating and burning of chips. When used, the chips have to be
transferred, using the rule of first-in and first-out, to the process line. Dusts are produced,
resulting in starch loss as well as severe air pollution. The major concern of using chips is
soil and sand contamination, being introduced from roots and during drying on the floor.
Sand and soil can cause machine corrosion and result in shorter machine shelf life. They
have to be removed in the production process. In Thailand where chips are used for many
applications including animal feed and bioethanol production, farmers are encouraged to
produce a premium quality of chips that meets with the standard regulation announced by
Ministry of Commerce (Table 5).