L. P. N.
17 April 2008
Maize production is expected to hit p over three million tons this year almost completely erasing the present shortage, following the agreement to be reached between the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MINADER) and the National Institute of Agricultural Research and Development (IRAD).
According to the National Coordinator of maize production programme at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sikapin Paul, youths and women will this year receive 20 tons of improved seeds to boost production and meet demand. "The government has agreed with the Cameroon Institute of Agricultural Research and Development (IRAD) for the latter to supply at least 20 tons of maize seeds for distribution to farmers nationwide", he told Cameroon Tribune in a telephone interview over the weekend. In an earlier interview with MINADER's 15-minute radio slot, Mr Sikapin said the 20 tons of seeds will be planted to further produce 1,000 hectares of seeds. They are expected to produce at least 3 tons of improved maize a hectare or 3,000 tons of improved seeds.
As far as financing is concerned, MINADER budgeted CFA 800 million for small producers last Year. This year, the programme has envisaged tackling both medium size and large scale producers with a budget of CFA 150 million for medium sized growers. Distribution is expected to start this week and end latest May ten. On whether it is not late considering that the rains came earlier this year and farmers are already well advanced in their planting, he said there was no cause to fear. He explained that demand for maize has so far increased because of changes in consumption attitudes. The people in the Centre, South and East provinces are beginning to develop interest in corn fufu which was not their staple food. According to Sikapin, there is a gradual drop in cassava production which is the main stay of the people of this region and this, has pushed people to look for alternative food.
The national demand for maize in Cameroon stands at about 1.2 million tons. Production is estimated at 950,000 tons. Every year, the country imports not less than five metric tons of the product basically for industries. The high demand essentially comes from poultry farmers and brewery industries.
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