Centre Region: Trade minister lauds Biakoa cocoa farmers for record-breaking collective sale.

Trade Minister, briefing reporters at event

The Minister of Trade, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, has lauded cocoa farmers in Bikoa, a locality in Mbangassina Subdivision of the Mbam and Kim Division, for achieving a historic milestone by earning 1.01 billion FCFA from the sale of 202 tonnes of Grade I cocoa at a record price of 5,000 FCFA per kilogram.



The ground-breaking transaction took place on January 29. This was during a supervised collective sale overseen by the trade boss, with three major buyers who were in fierce competition to secure the high-quality cocoa, ultimately leading to the unprecedented price.

The minister made the information public through a statement published on the official social media handle of his ministry. As per the minister, the success aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the cocoa sector, a vision championed by President Paul Biya. 

Minister Mbarga Atangana attributed the achievement to strategic reforms introduced since the 2016/2017 cocoa season. He cited the introduction of a quality incentive premium, the 50% reduction in export duties, and the expansion of post-harvest processing centres of excellence. 

He emphasised that these policies have now fully matured, contributing to the growing competitiveness of Cameroon's cocoa on the international market. The government official further underscored the importance of fostering cooperation between cocoa farmers and exporters. 

He urged both parties to view each other as partners rather than competitors, noting that they are essential links in the same value chain. Encouraging stronger partnerships, he stressed that a harmonious relationship between producers and exporters would drive further growth in the sector.

The minister advised farmers to manage their earnings responsibly, emphasising the importance of long-term financial planning for their households and communities.

According to the minister, the National Cocoa and Coffee Board played a crucial role in facilitating the collective sale, ensuring that farmers received direct payments without intermediaries. The approach, the minster said, enhances transparency and allows producers to maximize their earnings. 

The minister also highlighted that collective sales promote fair competition and economic equity, enabling farmers to benefit directly from market dynamics rather than being at the mercy of intermediaries.

Minster Mbarga Atangana concluded by affirming that this landmark transaction not only represents a victory for Biakoa’s cocoa producers but also sets a new benchmark for the industry, reinforcing Cameroon’s ambition to strengthen its position as a leading cocoa exporter while ensuring sustainable benefits for its farmers.

 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3355 of Friday January 31, 2025

 

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