Lagos state may soon boast of being a top producer of millions of tubers of yam yearly.
This was disclosed at the Eko yam festival where local production of yams are used to curb food insecurity and create jobs opportunities for youths.
One of the most common food crops in tropical countries and especially in Africa is yam.
According to the World Bank, Nigeria is the largest yam producer in the world, contributing to two-thirds of global yam production each year.
Approximately half of all Nigerian households consume this crop.
But recent challenges like rising inflation, transportation, lack of silos and food costs have deterred many from purchasing the product.
This is the Eko Yam Festival, a project that began in 2021. It now has about 80 hectares of land dedicated to growing tubers of yam.
With an intense production period, this is expected to reduce the price of yam in Lagos markets as well as improve exportation of this product to other countries.
With various states like Taraba, Benue and others being at the forefront of yam production, this initiative may now support the livelihoods of families in Lagos to achieve sustainable food security.
