Yam is the common name for some plant species in the genus Dioscorea (family Dioscoreaceae) that form edible tubers. Yams are perennial herbaceous vines cultivated for the consumption of their starchy tubers in many temperate and tropical world regions, especially Africa, Asia, and Oceania.

Nigeria been by far the largest producer of this tubers has recorded great strides in yam cultivation with up to 70% of the world's yam production, following by a large gap behind Nigeria are some other African countries namely; Ghana,Ivory Coast and Benin etc.

Yam is staple food in most Nigerian states and is highly regarded, as most of its food products are integrated into the social, cultural, economic and religious aspects of the people's life.

This awesome tubers can be enjoyed or applicable for different uses, it can be boiled (consumed directly or pounded to a thick paste), roasted, fried or even made to yam flour for different uses.

Types of yams in Nigeria

The most common types of yam species in Nigeria are; white yam (Dioscorea rotundata), yellow yam (Dioscorea cayenensis) and water yam(Dioscorea alata). Other species include: Bitter yam (Dioscorea dumetorum), Aerial yam (Dioscorea bulbifera), Trifoliate yam (Dioscorea dumentorum). They all have their unique tastes and likewise best methods of preparation of cooking.

Nutritional value of yams

Yams are very rich sources of carbohydrate and dietary fiber. it is also an excellent source of the B-complex group of vitamins. It provides adequate daily requirements of pyridoxine (vitamin B6), thiamin (vitamin B1), riboflavin, folates, pantothenic acid, and niacin. These vitamins mediate various metabolic functions in the body.

I bet, you didn't know yams are also rich sources of Vitamin C? Well they are. Providing about 29% of recommended levels per 100 g. Vitamin-C plays some important roles as anti-aging, immune function booster, wound healing, and bone growth, they are also a great source of Vitamin-A and Potassium etc.

How to plant yams

In different parts of the country, yams are planted both for substantial and commercial consumption. The planting or cultivating of yam tends to be tedious which includes tuber cuttings (Preparation Of Setts), soil preparation (Clearing of weeds, ploughing, Mulching The Ridges, weed control etc), planting and care ( maintenance).

It also required that the yams to be replanted after harvest should be set aside as it has to stay for about 100 - 120 days before been suitable for planting, and the seed yams to be planted should also be subjected to treatment by locally covering with a wood ash with literally acts as a fungicide to protect them from rot or decay.

Yam basically undergoes two phases namely growth and dormant phases. The growth phase occurs for about six to ten months depending on the species and then slowed down for two to four month, the slowing down process is called the dormant phases, these phases occur in the wet and dry season respectively.

States with high yam production rates

Benue, Sokoto, Abia, Anambra, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Ebonyi, Niger, Taraba, Osun, Oyo and Plateau are states are known for massive production of this tubers for both substantial and commercial consumption. so if you are looking for large yam farms you now know where to find them.

Average prices of yam

The average prices of yam varies from locations, as there are states were they are relatively cheap and some were they are relatively expensive. in states like Benue where the production of yams is really high, you can get a medium sized yam for 120 -170 Naira, Unlike very urban settlement like Lagos where yam farming is scarcely done, the prices ranges from 450-600 Naira for a medium sized yam tuber!

I hope this article was insightful.

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