The Federal Government has announced a renewed drive to tackle a 50 million metric tonnes shortfall in Nigeria’s yam supply, unveiling plans to significantly raise national productivity in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).
Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sabi Abdullahi, disclosed the initiative in Abuja during a national yam advocacy summit organised by IITA in partnership with the ministry.
According to the minister, Nigeria currently produces about 67.2 million metric tonnes of yam annually, representing roughly 67 per cent of global output. However, he noted that domestic demand is estimated at 120 million metric tonnes, leaving a deficit of more than 50 million metric tonnes.
Abdullahi said the government aims to raise average yields from 10 metric tonnes per hectare to 30 metric tonnes per hectare through improved farming practices, better seed systems and modern technologies.
He explained that the production gap highlights the vast untapped opportunities within the yam value chain and stressed the need for reforms that will enhance productivity, reduce losses and position Nigeria to maximise both local and export market potential.
The minister also outlined ongoing innovations introduced by the ministry to strengthen food security nationwide.
He commended IITA’s progress in early generation seed production and advanced propagation techniques, noting that such interventions could boost yields by between 70 and 140 per cent while ensuring healthier, disease-resistant planting materials for farmers.
