Yam producers in Krachi East Municipality, Oti Region, are facing an unprecedented economic crisis as market prices for their produce have plummeted to historic lows.
Farmers report that a hundred tubers of yam, which once fetched over GHC6,000, now sell for a mere GHC400, sparking concerns about the sustainability of yam farming in the area.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency, Mr. Osman Tamimu and Mr. Sumaila Seidu highlighted the devastating impact of this price collapse on their ability to cover production expenses and sustain their livelihoods.
Many farmers are now at risk of abandoning their farms, a move that could have wider consequences for food security and the local economy.
The crisis has ignited urgent calls for government and stakeholder intervention. Farmers are advocating for improved market infrastructure to facilitate better storage and distribution, price regulation mechanisms to prevent such drastic fluctuations, and strategic support to stabilize the yam sector.
Without prompt and effective measures, the future of yam farming in Krachi East looks bleak, underscoring the need for comprehensive policies that protect farmers from volatile markets and ensure agricultural sustainability in the region.
