‘Low Quality Seed-yam, Availability Hamper Nigeria’s Yam Production’

The Abia State deputy governor, Ikechukwu Emetu has said low quality seed-yam and availability are hamparing yam production and export from Nigeria.

Emetu stated this at a two-day workshop on management of yam vines in aeroponics and hydroponics systems at Nwanevo Agro-seeds and Inputs Co. Ltd, Ntigha.

Explaining that the situation is worrisome as the country is a leading global yam producer, he urged the participants to take the workshop seriously.

He appealed to stakeholders in the agriculture sector to examine critical factors militating against production of quality produce as one of the country’s exports.

Emetu, who assured of the administration’s willingness to improve yam production and other produce in the state, commended organisers of the workshop for their efforts.

Earlier, the chief executive officer of the company, Christopher Nwanevo said the workshop was aimed at enhancing high quality seed-yam to increase yam production in the state.

He further said at the moment, the company has three large, 12 medium-size, and small scale yam-seed companies, growers, and distributors in the country.

In his remarks, the state coordinator of the federal ministry of agriculture and rural development, Aloysius Mba, assured of the ministry’s support for the company’s initiative.