Introduction
Yams (Dioscorea Rotundata) are underground tuber vegetables but are not related to sweet potatoes which are sometimes also called Yams. These Nigerian Yams are a great source of fiber, potassium, manganese, copper, and antioxidants. Yams are linked to various health benefits and may boost brain health, ease menopausal symptoms (when eaten), reduce inflammation, and improve blood sugar control. They’re versatile, easy to prepare, and a great vegetable to include in your diet in both sweet and savory dishes.
Uses
Yam is a key ingredient in making:
- Flour
- Cream and soap
- Livestock feeds
Production, export, import and consumption in Nigeria
Production =50052977, Export =0 , Import =0 . (Source: FAOSTAT)
Growing Yam
According to an agricultural experts, yams are best planted in an upland well-drained field, which is the land suitable for yam farming. The best soil for planting yam is sandy loam and silt loam soil. If you must use clay loam soil, they must be rich in organic matter.
Duration and Season
Depending on the species, yam grows for six to ten months and is dormant for two to four months, these two phases usually corresponding to the wet season and the dry season. There are two planting season for yam in Nigeria. The early yam is planted between November and December while the Late yam is planted between March and April.
Sowing and harvest period
In West and Central Africa tubers are planted between February and April, depending on whether in humid forest or on the savanna, and are harvested 180 to 270 days later. Care is needed during harvesting to minimize damage to tubers that lead to rot and a decrease in market value.
Main Producing States in Nigeria.
- Taraba (Largest producer)
- Benue
- Cross River
- Adamawa
- Delta
- Ekiti
- Imo
- Edo
- Kaduna
- Ogun
- Kwara
- Ondo
- Osun
- Plateau
- Oyo.
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