Heat wave destroys yam farms, delays harvest in Taraba

A severe heat wave experienced in Taraba State has destroyed yam farms across yam-producing areas in Taraba State, Daily Trust on Sunday checks have revealed.

The areas where several yam farms have been destroyed include Yorro, Zing, Lau, Jalingo and Ardo-Kola local government areas.

The heat wave, according to farmers, has prevented good germination of the yam seeds planted.

A farmer, Suleiman Dauda, said there is fear among farmers in the yam-producing areas of the state of possible poor yam harvest this year.

He said because of the high price of yam seed, many farmers could not replant the destroyed yam in their farms.

He said this is the worst year for yam farmers because of the destruction of yam farms by heat waves.

According to him, the prolonged heat and delay in the arrival of rainfall worsen the situation, adding that yam harvest was delayed this year.

“Annually, we start harvesting yam in June but this year, we are approaching the middle of the month of June but no yam farm is mature for harvest,” he said.

Another farmer, David Kassa, said that yam farmers may likely experience poor harvest as a result of the heat wave that destroyed yam seed planted.

He said the heat had prevented good germination of yam planted and the high cost of yam seed had also prevented many farmers from replanting.

According to him, the change of weather pattern resulting in severe heat and delay in the arrival of rainfall has caused poor yield of yam this year.

“Go to Jalingo market you will not see new yam; only old stocks of yam. Last year at this period, yam farmers have started harvesting their yam farms and the produce was in the markets,” he said.