Five Major Reasons Some Varieties of Yam Sell In Various Regions

Production: Farmers have a preference for yam varieties that mature early, are heat/drought resistant, and can combat or mitigate the effects on climate change; Yam with seed and regular shaped sizes for planting; yam variety that does not require staking and that has less harvest time. According to Prof. Simon, to mechanize yam planting, the Agricultural Engineer needs seeds that are of regular shapes such as micro tubers from AS vine cuttings, miniset cuttings, and rooted vine cuttings for transplanting.

Export: Yam’s preference for export is usually determined by the size and shape (smaller sizes are preferred of about 2kg), the weight of the yam, and the ability of the variety to withstand the stress associated with long shipment by sea.

Processing: The availability of the required machines for yam processing is key (yam peeling, chopping, blanching, drying, milling, and packaging machines); straight and smooth yams weighting about 2-2.5kg are best for these machines, and yam with high flour and starch yield.

Aggregation, storage, and transport: Yam resistance to elastic deformation, mechanical damage, vibration, and ability to withstand stacking density are preferred.

Primary consumption: Yam varieties that are best for Frying, Boiling, and Pounding, Yam Porridge, Ikokore, Roasted yam are in higher demand for primary consumption.