Krachi East Yam Farmers face crisis as prices plummet

Yam farmers in the Krachi East Municipality of the Oti Region are facing severe financial hardship as market prices hit record lows, raising fears that many may abandon the trade entirely.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), farmers Osman Tamimu and Sumaila Seidu revealed that a hundred tubers of yam now sell for as little as GHC400, a sharp fall from over GHC6,000 in previous years.

They said the drastic price slump has made it almost impossible to recover production costs, leaving many in debt and without profit. Frustration and despair are growing among farmers, with some considering leaving the sector altogether.

The farmers are calling on government and relevant stakeholders to intervene urgently.

They propose measures such as developing market infrastructure, introducing price control mechanisms, and implementing initiatives to stabilise the yam market and protect livelihoods in the municipality.