AFAN Plans New Cocoyam Breed In Enugu

Chief Alfred Eneh, Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Enugu State, says the association will introduce a new breed of cocoyam for cultivation by farmers in the 2012 farming season. Eneh saidon Wednesday in Enugu that the move was necessitated by ‘acute shortage’ of cocoyams in the entire South East geopolitical zone.

He also said that the move was necessitated by the rising cost of cocoyam in the region.

The AFAN chairman said that AFAN would partner with relevant stakeholders to produce improved varieties of cocoyam, as the old species of the tuber had been infected by virus. He said that when the new breed of the tuber was introduced, the old specie would be phased out to avoid further spread of the debilitating virus.

“Other seedlings like rice, corn and cassava stems will also be multiplied for improved variety as part of our contributions to attaining food sufficiency in the country,” he said.  Eneh, who commended the government for its timely release of free fertilisers to farmers in the state, expressed the hope of a bumper harvest this year.

The cost of cocoyams had increased in Enugu State beyond the reach of the masses.