Centre Region Showcases Agric Ingenuity

Godlove BAINKONG
[22/12/2009]

A three-day Agro-pastoral show opened at the Omnisport annex playground yesterday.

Agricultural practitioners of the Centre Region are exhibiting their know-how, selling their produce and attracting the public to what they are capable of producing. This is on the occasion of the region’s agro-pastoral show which is ongoing at the Omnisport annex playground in Yaounde.

The show is an opportunity for the Common Initiative Groups in the region, individual farmers as well as farmer corporatives to unveil to the public what they do in their respective associations, most of which is not known to the public. Foodstuffs of all sorts are aplenty and even before the official ceremony to kick-start the three-day event was given; buyers were already streaming into the show’s village to buy what was displayed in the stands.

Speaking during the opening ceremony yesterday, the Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Jean Nkuete, said agriculture occupies a prominent position in the country’s development and government’s development plan. He said developing the agricultural sector to ensure food safety and security is an imperative, stating that besides feeding the public within and without the country, it would also create employment opportunities for the population.

The Vice PM said government is unrelenting in facilitating and sustaining agriculture in the country. He cited, among others, the imminent creation of an agricultural bank, decentralisation, the building of capacities of farmers and the intensification of agricultural shows both at the divisional, regional and national levels. Mr Jean Nkuete enjoined the farmers to spare no effort in boosting agriculture, stressing that it is a sector that pays.

Exhibitors at the show appreciated the organisation, stating that it is a rare opportunity for them to meet in a group to showcase their know-how, meet with their customers and probably win new ones. The prices, they said, are down to earth, permitting the population to have good end-of-year feasts. According to Frederic Marie Nnangzoa of the Les Fermes Minkoumou et Ekolo, an association involved in palm oil production and sales, a 20-litre container of oil sells at FCFA 10,000 down from 11,000 as he used to sell. Chicken and other products are affordable.

The Vice PM, accompanied by his Minister Delegate, Ananga Mesina Clementine, as well as other officials, had a guided visit of the stands to appreciate the farmers ingenuity.