Dambai Market in the Krachi East Municipality of the Oti Region is currently experiencing a significant surge in yam prices as the harvesting season unfolds.
A visit to the market by Adom News reporter Obrempongba Owusu revealed that the price of a bundle of 100 tubers has skyrocketed from an average of 3,000 Ghana cedis to between 5,000 and 7,000 cedis, depending on the quality and size of the tubers. This dramatic increase has left many buyers and sellers grappling with the implications of rising costs.
Speaking with some farmers at the market, they attributed the price hike to a combination of factors, including the fluctuating high prices of agro-chemicals and farm inputs, as well as increased demand as the season peaks.
However, buyers have expressed frustration over soaring prices, particularly as they also encounter issues related to spoilage and rotten tubers.
They raised concerns about spoilage due to extreme weather conditions and the lack of storage facilities at the market, along with the use of chemicals during the farming process. They noted that the yams often appear good on the outside, but once cut open, they can be rotten inside, which is disheartening and negatively impacts their finances.
Buyers are appealing to the government and the Minister of Agriculture to regulate the use of agro-chemicals by farmers to enhance the value of yam production.
The Public Relations Officer (P.R.O.) of the Yam Buyers and Sellers Association in Dambai, Wisdom Awuranyi, has called for the establishment of a modern market facility to address these challenges.
According to him, with improved infrastructure and better market practices, the Dambai market can thrive, ensuring that yam remains an accessible staple for all.
“We need more organized storage facilities and a hygienic environment for trading,” he stated.
He noted that a modern facility would not only reduce spoilage but also ensure that buyers receive quality products.
The P.R.O. also appealed to the government to improve education on the use of agro-chemicals and fertilizers among farmers to promote yam production on a competitive level with other countries.
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