Ghanaian yam is being grown in Tobago.
This is through a project spearheaded by the Office of the Prime Minister in collaboration with the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) and supported by the Tobago House of Assembly.
On a recent trip to Ghana, former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley received a donation of yam crops. A portion of these were planted in Chaguaramas in February and on Tuesday, it was Tobago’s turn.
CARDI Executive Director Ansari Hosein explained that the yam planting project is a scientific study to compare the performance of five varieties of yam from Ghana.
“We are going to measure something called the harvest index, which is the tuber weight over the total biomass. We are going to calculate all that. We are going to collect data on the environment, on the soil, soil moisture, fertiliser application, and whether or not these yams succumb to any pests and diseases. Remember, these are new varieties to the Caribbean, and then we will do the data analysis.”
Secretary of Community Development, Joel Sampson, said the THA supports the project, as it will equip farmers with tools and resources to improve agricultural productivity in Tobago.
“This collaboration with CARDI to establish a yam germplasm bank in Tobago truly highlights the importance of global cultural exchange, and marks an exciting opportunity for our agricultural sector.”
Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Ayanna Webster-Roy said she advocated for the crop production exercise to be conducted in Goodwood. She said the project will be particularly beneficial since the development of a Yam Festival in the village.
“In my discussions with Prime Minister and even Dr. John Alleyne, it wasn’t just about producing food. It wasn’t just about planting some yams and then harvesting them. It was about reigniting a sense of pride in the people of Goodwood. A sense of pride in the new Yam Festival and all the potential it has to bring economic development to our community.”
Special Advisor Dr. John Alleyne explained that the plants will be monitored over a nine-month period.
Community representatives in attendance were challenged to develop an attractive and grand festival at harvesting time to celebrate the yam.