North Region: IRAD donates 10 tons of farm inputs to farmers in Bibémi, Rey-Bouba.

The donation was spearheaded by IRAD’s Director General, Dr Noé Woin. It was done on June 2, 2025, in Bibémi, with eight tons donated, and on June 5, in Rey-Bouba, with two tons donated.

A grand ceremony was held at the Municipal Esplanade of Bibémi on June 2. It was presided over by the Divisional Officer, DO, of Bibémi, Mahamat Taher Ousman, and saw the strong presence of administrative, municipal, and traditional authorities, local dignitaries, and numerous technical partners of IRAD. 

Amongst the items received by farmers were improved seeds of maize, sorghum, soybeans, and rice, all specifically adapted to their agro-ecological zone, along with phytosanitary products and fertilizers. 

Dr Noé Woin, while reaffirming the undeniable importance of scientific research in Cameroon's agricultural development, stressed the pivotal role of improved seeds in combating food insecurity. He also reiterated IRAD's firm commitment to intensifying its daily efforts in the service of rural communities.

According to the Director General, this distribution of improved seeds is part of a broader vision of a sustainable, resilient, and productive agriculture, capable of nourishing populations, while generating considerable income for producers.

Farmers laud IRAD’s efforts

Leaders of the beneficiary farmer organisations highlighted that IRAD's support is a continuation of its tireless efforts to assist farmers who have been grappling with increasing challenges such as floods, prolonged droughts, destructive birds, and debilitating crop diseases, all of which directly impact their primary livelihood of agriculture and livestock farming.

One of the heads of the honoured farmer associations, Elisabeth Waoundi, expressed delight.

"It is a great satisfaction for me to receive this important donation of improved agricultural seeds today, which portends a better harvest at the end of this farming season,” Waoundi said. 

She added that: “This is an opportunity for me to thank the government and particularly the Head of State, Paul Biya, for his constant solicitude towards the populations of the North in general and Bibémi in particular". 

IRAD showcases agricultural innovations 

As an added benefit, the many mobilised producers had the opportunity to visit an exhibition stand that showcased IRAD's agricultural innovations and technological packages developed in recent years, particularly those tailored for the Sudano-Sahelian agro-ecological zone, which encompasses the North and Far North regions. 

Attendees were able to learn about new sustainable farming techniques, modern tools, and received practical explanations and demonstrations from IRAD experts, providing them with reliable solutions.

IRAD boosts cashew, cotton production

Beyond these recent efforts, IRAD's impact is also evident in the successful project for the free production and distribution of cashew seedlings. 

Over 300,000 producers, members of more than 200 cooperatives and Economic Interest Groups have benefited from over 10 million cashew plants, leading to the cultivation of approximately 70,000 hectares in favourable production basins like the Far North, North, Adamawa, and parts of the East. 

It should also be noted that the improved cotton varieties developed by IRAD have, for some time now, enabled SODECOTON to put cotton fibers on the global market, significantly boosting its turnover.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3471 of Thursday June 12, 2025