How to Begin Yam Farming in Nigeria in 2024

Yams are a major crop in Nigeria, almost 70% of the crop is produced by small-scale farmers. In an attempt to increase revenues and diversify agricultural output, yam farming can be the perfect venture for enterprising Nigerians. But in today’s economy, how can one become a professional yam farmer? Be at ease! The topic of starting yam farming in Nigeria will be covered in this article.

With the very high percentage of Nigeria’s population—more than 101 million people—living in rural areas, agriculture has long been a vital source of economic support for the country. Particularly, yams are a crucial component of the agricultural sector and make up as much as 60% of the nation’s output. Consequently, yam farming investments could benefit regional economies and business owners looking to turn a profit.

This post will offer helpful pointers and guidance on getting started if you live in Nigeria and want to establish a yam farming business. A competent yam farmer can also be achieved by meticulous preparation and a commitment to strict quality control requirements!

In Nigeria, how profitable is yam farming?

In Nigeria, yam growing is one of the most lucrative agricultural ventures. About 70% of the world’s yam production comes from Nigeria, making it one of the top producers worldwide.

In many regions of Nigeria, the indigenous population’s need for yams as a staple food is driven by their significance. Yam demand rises as a result of its usage in several social and cultural gatherings.

The demand for yams from nations including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada is rising internationally. Nigerian yam farmers now have a fantastic chance to sell their goods and make foreign currency.

In terms of profitability, Nigerian yam cultivation can yield a sizable return on investment (ROI). It might be anywhere between 100% and 200%, depending on a number of variables. It is crucial to remember that yam farming necessitates large expenditures for labor, land, supplies, and storage facilities, all of which could have an impact on profitability.

How Much Time Does Nigerian Yam Take to Grow and Mature?

In Nigeria, yams typically take three to four months to fully develop. Nevertheless, the following variables may affect the precise time:

Variety: The growth and maturity times of various yam cultivars vary. For instance, it usually takes longer for white yams (Dioscorea rotundata) to mature than water yams (Dioscorea alata).

Planting season: A yam’s growth and maturity can be influenced by the season in which it is planted. In contrast to the dry season, yams sown during the rainy season typically mature more quickly.

Weather: For yams to develop and mature, there must be enough sunshine, rain, and warmth. Unfavorable meteorological circumstances, like a protracted drought or flooding, might have an impact on yam development and maturity.

Planting yams in the early spring is the first step in cultivating them. Plant the tubers in rows 24 inches apart, with a gap of 36 inches between each row and its neighbor. This will avoid the plants from being crowded when they reach maturity and provide the yams ample space to spread out as they mature.

You have to watch over the plants and make sure they receive adequate sunlight and water. It’s critical to take swift action in the event of disease or pest indications to ensure the health of your crop before harvest. After three months of growth, with the right care and attention, you will have a successful harvest of tasty yams!

In an acre, how many yams can be planted?

Six plots of land make up one acre in Nigeria. In Nigeria, a plot of land is a unit of measurement for land that varies in size based on factors such as geography. Nonetheless, a typical Nigerian parcel of land measures 100 feet by 100 feet, or 30.5 meters by 30.5 meters.

Depending on the spacing and planting configuration, a different number of yams may be planted in an acre of land. Nonetheless, for the best yield, planting 6,000–10,000 yam setts per acre is usually advised.

The tubers used for planting are called yam setts, and they should be planted 90–100 cm between rows and 30–45 cm apart. You can plant anywhere from 6,000 to 10,000 yam setts per acre with this spacing.

It’s important to remember that planting density might vary depending on a number of factors. These consist of the kind of yams being planted, the fertility of the soil, and additional environmental elements. For example, some yam types might need more room to grow to their full potential, yet high-fertility soils might support a higher planting density.

Which Month Is Ideal for Yam Planting?

The optimal period to sow yams in Nigeria is contingent upon multiple factors. These include the range of yam varieties, the region’s rainfall patterns, and the accessibility of planting supplies. But in Nigeria, the start of the rainy season is the ideal time to sow yams.

The rainy season in most of Nigeria typically begins in February and lasts until April. As a result, February through April, when the rainy season first begins and the soil is still moist from sufficient rainfall, is generally the ideal period to plant yams.

Higher yields can be achieved by planting yams early in the rainy season so they can benefit from the plentiful sunshine and moisture during the growing season. Since yam tubers need a long growth season to mature, planting late may result in lower yields due to insufficient rainfall and short growing seasons.

In Nigeria, when is yam harvested?

In Nigeria, yam is typically harvested between August and October. At this point, the yam tubers are fully developed and prepared for harvest. It’s crucial to remember that the specific harvest date will vary depending on the yam variety planted, as some may mature sooner or later than others.

It’s also crucial to remember that premature yam picking can lower yields because the tubers might not be fully mature.

In summary

Nigerian yams are a popular crop that can provide farmers with a sizable income. It’s critical to plant yams at the proper time, with the proper spacing and planting layout, to ensure maximum yields.

Happy planting!