With the low cost of elephant foot yam planting and its increased foreign exchange income, it would be better if state-level support could be provided, according to KoAung Yin Oo, a yam retailer, wholesaler and farmer in southern Ye Township.

Currently, its market is good, and since the time before the current price was reached, it should have been encouraged to grow due to its profitability, cost-effectiveness, low cost, and low maintenance.

“There are three powder mills in Mawlamyine, Mon State. There are three in Ye Township. I would like to suggest that the yam has been more profitable than other plants since this level of price hadn’t been reached. It has fewer requirements for maintenance and fertilizers. Only a few use fertilizers for growth – just one in a hundred. So, the cost is low and the profit margin is high. More yam should be planted,” he said.Yam growers in southern Ye earned up to K50 million per farm as their yams had better prices, weighing more than those produced in other regions.

“In our area, some farmers fetch up to K40 million or K50 million. Most of them are commercial farmers. Our yams weigh more and the powder yield is high after being crushed. Those produced in other areas weigh less and produce fewer powders. So, our yams in southern Ye fetch the best prices,” he added.