By Erewunmi Peace

Agricultural scientists have developed a promising method to multiply yam plants using vine cuttings instead of the traditional heavy tubers. This innovative approach could help farmers produce more planting material faster and reduce costs.

Traditionally, yams are grown by planting pieces of the tuber, which are bulky, expensive, and prone to diseases. Researchers, including those at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), have found that cuttings from the yam plant’s stem with leaves can be rooted and grown into healthy plants. These plants eventually produce tubers in the field, making it a practical alternative to conventional planting.

While the breakthrough does not mean you can simply plant any yam leaf and harvest tubers immediately, it is a significant step in improving yam seed systems. By using vine cuttings, farmers can multiply their planting stock more efficiently, improve yields, and reduce the spread of diseases that affect tubers.

This innovation is set to transform yam farming, especially for smallholder farmers in West Africa, by making planting materials more accessible and sustainable.