The technical committee on Nigeria Yam Export Programme said it had started work with the University of Agriculture, Umudike and International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to produce seed yams for export.
Prof. Simon Irtwang, the programmes’ chairman made the disclosure in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos.
According to him, the produced seed yams will be given to farmers to plant them specifically for export.
“One of the challenges with the flag-off of yams exported in June 2017 was that the yams were exposed to the sun before being selected for export.
“Once yams are exposed in the sun for long, the process of decaying sets in gradually.
“With special seed yams, the structures to have a good quality of seed yams for export will be set in motion.
“This will help and ensure that future yam exports withstands the temperatures of all the countries the yams will be sent to,’’ he said.
Irtwang said that the technical committee would consider the post-harvest handling of yams for export to ensure they meet international standard.
He, however, added that not all yams were good enough for export.
“There are some species and varieties of yams that are good for export and in the open market, the yams are always separated from each other.
Irtwang said that yam exporter had to be familiar with the processes as well as the other varieties and species not good for export.