By Obiabin Onukwugha
In the local village of Okolomade in Abua/Odual local government area of Rivers State, Maruam, and her husband, Enogho Opoli are making economic living through farming.
Besides cassava and plantain, this couple have delved into yam farming. Besides using their farm land, this couple have also employed sacks in garden for planting of yam and potatoes.
“We were taught by farmers from Benue whom we have employed to teach us how to plant yam. Ordinarily our people plant more of plantain, bananas,.cassava and other crops, despite that our land.is rich and fertile for yam planting,” said Enogho in an interview with NatureNews correspondent, who recently visited the community.
Maruam was tending to the garden when NatureNews correspondent visited. “This is ready for harvest. You can see the tubers almost bursting out of the sack. The harvest is usually bountiful,” she saidl.
On the type of sand used, Maruam said: “Our sand is loamy sand. We got the sacks ready and packed sands around our compound to fill the sacks.”
Yams, often referred to as the “king of root crops,” are a rich source of essential nutrients and a staple in many diets around the world. However, for those who don’t have expansive farmland, cultivating yam in sacks is the way out. With a little space, you can cultivate and harvest enough yam for you and your household.
Here’s the Steps
1. Choose the Right Sacks
Selecting the appropriate sacks is the first step in successful yam cultivation. Look for sturdy, durable sacks made from materials like burlap or plastic. The sacks should have good drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. The size of the sack depends on the number of yam plants you want to grow.
2. Select Yam Varieties
Before you begin planting, take a moment to select the right yam variety for your growing and soil conditions. In Nigeria we have Ada Onisha, Gboko, paper yam, amongst others. It is advisable to find out which one will yield great harvest on your type of soil.
3. Prepare Your Sacks:
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Fill each sack with a mixture of well-draining soil and compost. Leave some room at the top to accommodate your yam cuttings. The soil should be fluffy and packed with nutrients.
4. Source Quality Yam Seeds/Cuttings
Success starts with quality yam seeds. Choose your yam seeds carefully from a trusted source. Healthy, disease-free yams are your best bet for a thriving harvest. Pick yam cuttings with at least one bud or eye. These should measure around 6-8 inches in length.
5. Plant Your Yam Seeds/Cuttings
With your sacks ready, you can move on to planting yournyam seeds/cuttings. Bury your yam cuttings about 2-3 inches deep in the soil, ensuring the buds face upwards. If planting more than 1 yam seed in bigger sack, give each yam cutting at least 12 inches space within the sack.
6. Watering:
Proper care is essential for the successful growth of your yams. Yams love consistent moisture, so be sure to keep the soil evenly moist without overdoing it. Make sure the sacks have proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
7. Fertilizing:
To supercharge your yam growth, feed them every 4-6 weeks with an all-purpose fertilizer. A balanced fertilizer works best; just follow the instructions on the package. Fertilizer high in phosphorus is preferred. However, if your land is rich with nutrients, fertilizers are not needed,.just as that of Odual.
8. Train Your Yam Stem:
Provide bamboo stick or wooden stick for each plant. Train the yam stem to climb the stick for better air circulation and to receive full sunlight.
9. Pest and Disease Management
There is lesser disease and pest infestation with yam sack farming nonetheless, regularly check your yam plants for any signs of pests or diseases. Common yam pests may include armyworm, nematodes, aphids etc. If issues arise, address them with organic pest control methods or consult a professional if necessary.
10. Harvesting
Your yam plants are usually ready for harvest 6-8 months after planting. Gently dig out your sacks to reveal a bountiful yam harvest.
