By Umar Nsubuga
Yams are a staple crop in many parts of Uganda, providing both food security and income for small-scale farmers.
However, many people underestimate the level of care that yams require to produce healthy yields.
Joseph Munerya, a seasoned yam farmer from Mutyoru Zone A village in Kapchesombe parish, Kapchorwa district, explains why proper care is essential for this crop to thrive.
According to Munerya, proper soil preparation is the foundation of a successful yam harvest.
“Yams need deep, well-drained soil,” he says.
Before planting, he says farmers should till the soil deeply to allow the tubers to grow freely without obstruction.
He also emphasises the importance of ensuring the soil is fertile.
“Yams draw a lot of nutrients from the soil, so it’s important to add compost or organic manure to enrich the soil before planting.”
Munerya highlights that the quality of the yam seed sets directly affects the yield.
“If you plant low-quality seeds, you can’t expect high-quality yams,” he says.
He recommends farmers select healthy yam tubers that are free from disease or damage for propagation.
“The size of the seed piece also matters. Smaller seeds may struggle to establish themselves, while larger, healthy ones will give you strong plants.”
Timing is crucial when it comes to planting yams, according to Munerya.
“Yams are very sensitive to the planting season,” he explains.
They should be planted at the start of the rainy season to ensure the plants receive enough moisture during their growth phase. Planting too early or too late can result in poor germination or weak growth, affecting overall yield, explains Munerya.
He says yams are highly susceptible to competition from weeds, which can hinder their growth.
Munerya advises farmers to keep their yam fields clean and well-weeded.
“Weeds compete with yams for nutrients, water, and sunlight. If you don’t control them, your yams won’t grow well,” he warns.
He suggests regular weeding, especially during the first few months after planting, to allow the yam plants to establish themselves.
While yams are relatively drought-tolerant, Munerya stresses the importance of adequate watering, especially during the early growth stages.
“Yams need moisture to establish their roots and start growing. If the soil dries out too early, you will have stunted plants,” he explains.
Farmers should ensure that their yam plants receive sufficient water, either from rainfall or through irrigation, particularly during dry spells.
Yam crops are vulnerable to various pests and diseases, which can significantly reduce yields if not properly managed.
Munerya points out that nematodes, yam beetles, and fungal diseases are some of the major threats to yam farming.
“You have to be vigilant. If you see signs of disease or pests, act immediately,” he advises.
He explains that farmers can use organic pest control methods or recommended chemical treatments to keep their crops healthy.
Yam farming is not just about growing the crop but also about ensuring there’s a good market for it.
Munerya advises farmers to understand market demands and plan their harvest accordingly.
“Sometimes, farmers flood the market with yams, causing prices to drop. It’s important to store your yams well and sell them when prices are favorable,” he says.
He also encourages farmers to look into value addition, such as processing yams into flour or other products, to increase their profits.
