SW farmers to increase agriculture production

The 2014 agro-pastoral show brought together over 1,000 producers from 20-22 December.

The esplanade of the Molyko Omnisport stadium was the venue where agricultural producers and livestock breeders of the South West Region converged to exhibit their best products. The farmers feast was not only an opportunity for producers to showcase quantity and quality products but also to sell directly to consumers.

Speaking during the launching of the show, the South West Regional President of National Platform for Agro-pastoral Professional Organisation of Cameroon (PLANOPAC), Ndedi Bau Akama-Makia assured that farmers of the region and other stakeholders will work closely to double production and create wealth in Cameroon. The farmers’ representative however, appealed to government to improve on farms-to-market roads in the major production basins of the region.

The roads, he stated, were hitherto being maintained by SOWEDA through the RUMPI project which is the wish of South West farmers to be granted the second phase. According to the Regional Delegate of Agriculture and Rural Development for the South West, Enang James Enang, the quantity and quality of food stuff displayed at the show were indicators that the region is food secured.

Officially launching the farmers feast at the make-shift agric show village, the Secretary General at the South West Governor’s office, Clement Fon Ndikum, who represented the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, urged producers to take advantage of the rich soils and favourable climatic conditions of the region as well as government’s support through inputs, improved planting materials and funds to increase production. He assured farmers of the region that they will not be left out in the three-year emergency plan to boost agriculture announced by government.

The agric show that ran from the 20 through 22 December, witnessed the participation of agricultural research institutions, universities, agro-industries and over 1,000 farmers who displayed both food crops and cash crops, vegetables and fruits as well as processed products and a variety of livestock. Over 600 prizes consisting of equipments and farm inputs were awarded to farmers with exceptional quality products.