UNVDA to benefit from more rice farms

Over 100 km of farm roads opened to step up production.

The commitment of the UNVDA agro- industry to produce more rice is evident with 700 more hectares of rice farms being developed in the villages of Bambalang, Balikumbat, Bamunkubit and Bafanji. The development will step up the 3303.25 hectares already put to rice production in 2014.

It emerged from the 48th ordinary session of the Upper Nun Valley Development Authority, UNVDA, that the good harvest of the season caused the agro industry to spend more than the budgeted FCFA 250 million to collect paddy from farmers. In effect, an extra FCFA 50 million was spent on more paddy rice produced.

The purification of deteriorated seed by PRODERIP/JICA is on course meanwhile the introduction of the Chinese hybrid seed, ‘Louyou 10’ is welcome. The General Manager, Chin Richard Wirnkar said trials in their soils give the hybrid seed, a yield response of 10 tons per hectare, when compared to the 3-5 hectares currently obtained with farmers.

They revealed that quality Ndop rice is available in major cities. To improve production, UNVDA has also restructured local organizations into cooperative Societies operating under an umbrella cooperative society.

Their equipment pool showcases 17 tractors, up from barely four, in 2011 plus a delivery Van. The agro industry has opened over 100 km of farm roads since the relaunch of its restructuring. Some 30 km of the 50 kilometres programmed for 2015 have already been opened in Balikumbat sub division and lower Bamunka.

The company has constructed four rice buying centers in Balikumbat, Bamukumbit and Bafanji with a capacity of handling 300 tons each year. Four dams are under construction to facilitate irrigation, bridges, culvert crossings and box culverts. They are in the process of acquiring renovators for soil tilling. UNVDA is virtually becoming an educational God father for students from many universities and higher institutions of learning.

UNVDA Board Chairman, Tikela Kemonne presided the 48th Board meeting at the Sabga neighborhood during which management also featured challenges which includes, the high expectations from beneficiaries in terms of rural roads and market channels which are yet to be exploited.