FMARD wants law against yam export repeal

*Expert asks for coordination

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) has advocated that the law prohibiting the export of Nigerian yams be repealed just as the need to institute a coordinating body for the produce was requested. This call was made at an advocacy workshop on yam held in Abuja recently.

FMARD desk officer on yam Dr. Perpetual Iyere-Usiahon said that there is need to repeal the law banning the export of the produce for more wealth and job to be created in the country.

The export prohibition Act has listed yam along with beans, cassava tuber, maize, and their derivatives as goods prohibited from exportation.

Also, a nutritionist and root crops expert, Professor Malachi Akoroda in the same event has called for a central data base for yam that would be coordinated by an organised body for better performance in foreign markets.

Akoroda suggested a yam coordinating point that would curb people going in different directions adding that the nation’s rejection in the foreign market is what a measure like this could curb.   

He pointed out that sustainability should be the focus in yam productivity adding that farmers could make use of green house technology to enhance production thereby identifying packaging and transportation as  great challenges.

 The Commissioner for Agriculture, Enugu state, Hon. Mathew Idu advocated for more improved yam seedlings for the country to maintain her production leadership in the world.

Idu who was represented by the Director of Technical Services Enugu state ADP (ENADEP), Omize Benjamin expressed happiness on the awareness the workshop would create as regards accessibility to new available technologies saying that “by this time next year our farmers will be singing praises”.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) Dr. Umar Bello lamented over Nigeria non being among comity of yam exporters owning to lack of quality seeds of various improve varieties. 

 Dr.  Bello who was represented by a director in the ministry, Engr. Frank Satumaric Kudla stressed that farmers awareness to new yam technology would no doubt attract break even adding that the new yam technology would increase production ration within six months.