The Benue State Chairman of the National Association of Yam Farmers, Processors and Marketers, Mr. Dominic Osoh, highlighted several key factors contributing to the increase in prices of yam in the market.
Firstly, he pointed out that the transportation costs have significantly escalated due to the rise in fuel prices.
This increase in transportation expenses has forced farmers and traders to raise the price of yam in order to cover these additional costs.
Moreover, Osoh mentioned that the escalating prices of herbicides and pesticides have also played a role in the higher cost of yam production.
This additional expenditure on agricultural inputs further adds to the overall production cost, which eventually reflects in the market prices of yam.
Additionally, the issue of insecurity was also identified as a major challenge affecting yam production and pricing.
Ongoing attacks on rural farmers by armed herdsmen and bandits undermine the safety and confidence of farmers to work on their farms.
As a result, the scarcity or reduction in the quantity of yam produced leads to a decrease in the supply, thereby driving up the prices of yam in the market.
According to Vanguard, Osoh said, “The transportation fare we pay to move yam from the village to the market is not helping the situation. The amount we pay to move a pick-up load of yams from the villages to the city market has tripled because of the increase in the price of fuel which has also forced farmers and traders to increase the price of one tuber of yam.
“The rising prices of herbicides and pesticides have also contributed to the increase in prices of yam. We also have the issue of insecurity. The attack on rural farmers by armed herdsmen and bandits is affecting yam production because when farmers do not feel safe to go to the farm, the implication is a shortage or a drop in the quantity of yam produced, leading to high prices"