The constraints to yam production include poor value addition technologies, scarcity and high cost of quality yam seeds, and on and off farm post-harvest losses. Moreover, most of the tubers are of low quality, containing pests (nematodes) and pathogens (virus) which decrease the yield of yam tubers. ), but successfully growing yam on aeroponics is a novelty for rapidly multiplying the much needed clean seed yam tubers in large quantities. Maroya and Dr Robert Asiedu, IITA Director for Western Africa, said Aeroponics System was coming at an appropriate time for African farmers, because seed yam production was expensive and inefficient. Apart from Aeroponics System, tissue culture and mini-sets are also rapid seedling multiplication technologies for disease-free yam seeds.

Source: The Guardian August 06, 2020 04:30 UTC