Skip to main content

HARNESSING THE MUMUYE YAM: A Call for Taraba’s Agricultural Breakthrough

By: Kamal Hammajo Adam 

Freelance Journalist | +2347069274878]

The Mumuye people, one of Taraba’s largest ethnic group, are not only custodians of a rich cultural heritage but also the producers of one of the North’s most valuable agricultural products: the Mumuye Yam also known in some places as Jalingo Yam. From the fertile farmlands of Zing, Yorro, Lau, Ardo-Koka and Jalingo to the bustling markets of Kano and Sokoto, and even Abuja, this yam is renowned for its size, taste, and long shelf life. In some Northern markets, a tuber of premium Mumuye Yam can sell for up to 30% more than other varieties.

Yet, these prized yams, an agricultural goldmine, are cultivated under conditions that undermine their full economic potential. Roads to Mumuye farming communities are often impassable during the rainy season, forcing farmers to sell at giveaway prices to middlemen. The absence of modern farm tools keeps productivity low, while the lack of storage facilities leads to post-harvest losses estimated at 20–30% annually.

This is not just a rural farming problem, it is an untapped economic opportunity for Taraba State. Agriculture employs over 70% of Taraba’s population, yet its contribution to the State’s GDP is far below potential. With targeted investment, yam cultivation could become a multi-billion-naira industry, attracting both local and foreign investors.

The government of the day must take decisive action:

• Build and maintain all-weather farm-to-market access roads to reduce transportation costs and spoilage.

• Equip farmer cooperatives with modern tools and tractors to boost productivity.

• Facilitate access to improved seed yams and fertilizers through subsidized programs.

• Establish storage and processing plants to extend shelf life, reduce losses, and enable export readiness.

• Link farmers directly to national and international buyers through organized commodity markets.

Taraba is not only blessed with fertile soils but also with other high-value resources, tea, coffee, sesame, rice, Maize, livestock, to mention few and vast mineral wealth. A coordinated government effort to harness these assets could position the State as an agricultural and investment hub in West Africa.

The Mumuye Yam is more than a crop, it is a symbol of what is possible when tradition meets opportunity. The farmers are ready, the land is fertile, and the markets are eager. What is missing is the political will to make it happen.

Taraba cannot afford to let this treasure remain buried in the soil. It is time for the Government to turn the Mumuye Yam into the foundation of the State’s next economic chapter.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

STRENGTH WITHOUT HANDS: The Inspiring Journey of Zubairu Yusha’u

By: Kamal Hammajo | October 11, 2025 In the quiet village of Lakkau, in Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State, the story of a young man unfolds, a story as painful as it is inspiring. His name is Zubairu Yusha’u, a boy whose life changed forever six years ago in the most cruel and unimaginable way. At just 14 years old, while studying in an Almajiri school, Zubairu was wrongly accused of stealing a mobile phone. What followed was not discipline, but torture. His seniors tied his hands, beat him through the night, and left him without care. By morning, instead of being rescued, his teacher decided to “teach him a lesson” he would never forget. Days passed without proper treatment, and infection set in. In the end, Zubairu lost both his hands. “They lied to my father,” he recalls with quiet strength. “They told him blocks had fallen on me. That was how I lost my hands.” For most people, such a tragedy would mark the end of dreams. But for Zubairu, it became the beginning of a...
Post a Comment
Read more

EID-EL-FITR: SULTAN DECLARES FRIDAY AS FIRST DAY OF SHAWWAL

By Kamal Hammajo Adam - 18 March, 2026 The Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs has announced that Friday, 20th March 2026, will mark the first day of Shawwal 1447AH, signaling the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr across Nigeria. This follows the non-sighting of the new moon of Shawwal on Wednesday, 18th March 2026, which corresponded to the 29th day of Ramadan 1447AH. The committee, in collaboration with the National Moon Sighting Committee, confirmed that no credible reports were received from moon sighting committees nationwide. As a result, Thursday, 19th March 2026, has been declared the 30th day of Ramadan. The announcement was approved by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, who also serves as President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs. In a statement, the Sultan congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the successful completion of Ramadan and urged continued prayers for peace, unity, and national development. He also wished Mu...
Post a Comment
Read more

Gombe Police Debunk Rumoured Attack on ECWA Church in Kashere

Kamal Hammajo | 23 November, 2025 CP Bello Yahaya  Commissioner of Police, Gombe State Command The Gombe State Police Command has refuted a circulating report claiming that ECWA Church in Kashere, Akko Local Government Area, was attacked. In a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, the Command clarified that officers from the Pindiga Division and the Kashere Outstation immediately reached out to a church elder who was present during the Hausa service. The elder confirmed that no incident whatsoever occurred, adding that police officers were on ground throughout the day as part of routine security coverage. “For the sake of setting the record straight, the Command, through the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Pindiga and the Officer in Charge of the Kashere Outstation, promptly contacted one of the church elders. The elder, who was physically present during the second segment of the Hausa service, confirmed that no such inciden...
Post a Comment
Read more