Nigeria: Heat wave destroys yam farms, delays harvest in Taraba

A severe heat wave experienced in Taraba State has destroyed yam farms across yam-producing areas in Taraba State, Daily Trust on Sunday checks have revealed. The areas where several yam farms have been destroyed include Yorro, Zing, Lau, Jalingo and Ardo-Kola local government areas. The heat wave, according to farmers, has prevented good germination of the yam seeds planted. A farmer, Suleiman Dauda, said there is fear among farmers in the yam-producing areas of the state of possible poor yam harvest this year. He said because of the high price of yam seed, many farmers could not replant the destroyed yam in their farms. He said this is the worst year for yam farmers because of the destruction of yam farms by heat waves. According to him, the prolonged heat and delay in the arrival of rainfall worsen the situation, adding that yam harvest was delayed this year. “Annually, we start harvesting yam in June but this year, we are approaching the middle of the month of June but no yam ...