Yam sellers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria on Friday appealed to the federal government to intervene in the arbitrary increase of yam prices as they record low sales.
The sellers, who spoke to journalists in separate interviews in Abuja, stated that the continuous increase of yam has affected their livelihood.
However, they attributed the product’s constant price increase to insecurity, high transportation costs, and the increasing cost of fertilisers and pesticides in Nigeria.
Ms Timothy, one of the sellers said five tubers of yam now sell for between N15,000 and N30,000, depending on the sizes.
She expressed worry that something must be done urgently to address the cost of yam and other food items and reduce the suffering of Nigerians.
Hannah Duke, another yam seller in Mararaba, disclosed that the increase in the price of yam had affected her business, adding that she was gradually losing her capital.
According to her, most farmers don’t go to farms anymore because of insecurity. Those who managed to plant will pay the gunmen to be able to harvest, the cost of transportation and pesticides.
“All these go to the cost of production, and in the end, the farmers need to increase prices to make ends meet,’’ she said.
Ms Duke further added that the yam business was no longer profitable, making it difficult for people to buy yam.
“Sometimes we are forced to cut yams into pieces to sell; we sell small slices of yam between N1,000 and N2,000, depending on the size. We are appealing to the government to come to our aid,’’ she lamented.
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