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Yam farming is one of the most profitable and rewarding agricultural ventures in Nigeria. As a young farmer, understanding how to plant yam correctly can help you achieve a high yield and increase your income. Nigeria is the largest producer of yam in the world, but success depends on proper land preparation, seed selection, planting methods, and management practices.
In this post, you’ll learn step-by-step how to plant yam in Nigeria for good yield, written in simple language to help beginners succeed.
1. Choose the Right Land for Yam Farming
Yams grow best in loamy, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Avoid waterlogged or clay soil because yam tubers rot easily in excess water.
Tips for selecting good land:
- Choose a land with gentle slope for proper drainage.
- Avoid continuously using the same land to prevent low fertility and pest buildup.
- Test your soil if possible to know the pH level (ideal range: 5.5–7.0).
2. Land Preparation
Clear the land of weeds, bushes, and stumps before the rainy season begins. After clearing, prepare mounds or ridgesdepending on your area.
Steps to prepare land:
- Make mounds about 1 meter high and 1 meter apart.
- Use organic manure or compost to enrich the soil before planting.
- Ensure your land is ready before the first major rainfall (usually between March and April in Southern Nigeria).
3. Select and Prepare Yam Seed (Setts)
The quality of your seed yam determines your harvest. Always use healthy, disease-free yam tubers from previous harvests or trusted suppliers.
How to prepare yam setts:
- Cut medium-sized tubers into setts weighing 200–300g each.
- Allow the cut pieces to heal (cure) for 5–7 days in a shaded area to prevent rot.
- You can treat the setts with fungicide or wood ash before planting to protect them from pests.
4. Yam Planting Process
The best time to plant yam in Nigeria is between March and May, depending on your region.
Steps to plant:
- Dig a small hole (10–15 cm deep) on top of each mound.
- Place the yam sett with the cut surface facing up.
- Cover lightly with soil.
- Space mounds about 1 meter apart to allow tuber expansion.
5. Staking the Yam
Yams are climbing plants and need support to grow well. Staking helps the vines grow upward and prevents tuber exposure.
Staking tips:
- Use strong bamboo, wood, or sticks about 2–3 meters tall.
- Install the stakes 2–3 weeks after sprouting.
- Tie vines gently to the stakes as they grow.
6. Weeding and Maintenance
Weed your yam farm regularly to reduce competition for nutrients and sunlight. You can weed 2–3 times before harvesting.
Other maintenance tips:
- Apply organic manure or NPK fertilizer 8–10 weeks after planting.
- Protect your farm from rodents and pests using traps or safe chemicals.
- Replace any yam setts that fail to sprout early.
7. Harvesting Your Yam
Yam is ready for harvest 6–8 months after planting, usually between October and December.
How to harvest:
- Gently dig around the mound to avoid injuring the tuber.
- Harvest only mature yams—when the leaves and vines start to dry up.
- Store yams in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place to prevent spoilage.
8. Post-Harvest Tips
- Sort and separate damaged yams from healthy ones.
- Treat stored yams with natural pest repellents like ash or neem leaves.
- Keep records of your yield for future farm planning.
Conclusion
Starting yam farming in Nigeria can be a profitable venture if you follow the right steps. As a young farmer, focus on quality seed selection, proper land preparation, and timely management to achieve high yield. Remember, patience and consistency bring success in agriculture.
