Nasarawa State, situated in central Nigeria, has launched itself into the international trade market with the formal introduction of its yam into the United Kingdom and other European Union markets.

The event which took place at the premises of the Nigerian High Commission in London, saw the launching of the yam under the trade name – Pepa Yam, Nigeria.

Speaking at the occasion, Governor Aliyu Akwe Doma, stated the development came after three successful export trials of the yam to the United Kingdom during which the product was well received in the market.

The governor informed the audience at the occasion that the state was encouraged and inspired to undertake the export drive by federal government agricultural policies as well as the massive schemes, interventions and incentives geared towards the promotion of accelerated and focused mass production of agricultural products.

Noting that the farmers of Nasarawa State have for long failed to enjoy economic benefits from their toil, Governor Doma pledged to sustain the programme by engaging 400 farmers from Nasarawa State to specially grow yams for the scheme.

Speaking earlier, the Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, Dr Dalhatu Sarki Tafida said that the launching of Pepa Yam from Nasarawa State goes beyond mere symbolism of a single event, but is a practical and significant step in the quest for increased exportation of Nigerian non-oil products to the United Kingdom. – www.nasarawastate.org