West Region: Minister launches ambitious rice value chain project to achieve food sufficiency.

The technical launch of the project took place Tuesday October 22 in the town of Santchou, Menoua Division of the West Region.

The launching ceremony unfolded in the presence of the Governors of the North West and West Regions, the Presidents of the West Regional Council and North West Regional Assembly, the Country Representative of Islamic Development Bank, IsDB, amongst others.

Speaking as he launched the Rice Value Chain Development Project, RVCDP, Agriculture Minister, said the event marked a significant milestone not only for rice farmers of the West Region but also for Cameroon’s agricultural sector as a whole. 

The member of government told the gathering that “we are gathered here to embark on a journey that aims to revive rice farming in Santchou in the West region, a region with a rich agricultural heritage and, increase the production of rice in three selected Regions of the Country in which this Project will be executed, that is; the North West, West and Far North Regions”. 

Justifying the choice of Santchou for the launch of the project, Minister Mbairobe explained that the locality is a historical rice growing area and was once a rice hub in the country. 

He recalled that the State-owned Rice Corporation, SODERIM was once a household name in the rice sub-sector in Cameroon, but regretted that its doors were shutdown.

Minister Mbairobe said since then, many farmers have faced significant challenges that have led them to abandon rice cultivation over the past decades. He rejoiced that government did not forget about the people of Santchou. 

Support to rice farmers, restoring hope

The Rice Value Chain Development Project, RVCDP, he said has been created to support rice farmers and restore hope in the communities.

The project, the minister noted, highlights government’s commitment to reviving rice fields and improving the livelihoods of farming communities.

“We chose to launch this project in Santchou for a number of reasons. First of all, Santchou has a rich history of rice cultivation. But unfortunately, many of our farmers have abandoned their rice farms for more than a decade now. With this project, we intend to revive this essential farming practice, to bring the land back to life and give hope to our farmers,” he said. 

He said Santchou's geographical location is also a real advantage in terms of the flow of agricultural products, in general, and rice, in particular, in the major urban marketing and consumption centres such as Douala and Bafoussam.

Speaking further, the minister stated that the Rice Value Chain Development Project is not just an agricultural initiative adding that it is a lifeline for the people of Santchou and all the other communities in which the Project will be implemented. 

He said the project will provide farmers with the necessary resources, training, social and rural infrastructure, and support to revive and improve rice farming, thus boosting local economies and improving livelihoods. 

The minister stated that the aim is not just to increase production; but also, to strive to improve livelihoods, create jobs, and enhance food security in communities.

The project, he continued, aligns perfectly with President Biya’s vision for Cameroon as defined in National Development Strategy 2030, a vision that aims to achieve food sufficiency for all citizens, and boost import substitution by 2035. 

He said by reviving rice production in Santchou, and increasing rice production across the national territory, government is contributing to a national objective that ensures every Cameroonian has access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.

He said the project is an initiative that supports government’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, particularly those on   ending poverty, ensuring food security, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. 

The project, he disclosed, will be a significant step towards achieving the said important global objectives.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3270 of Friday October 25, 2024