North West: MINADER Boss Hands Seeds, Inputs to 700 Irish Potato Farmers

70 tons of irish potato seeds and inputs 

Within three months, Essimi Menye, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development has visited Santa Sub Division in the North West Region twice. In his drive to professionalize agricultural activities, and promote the emergence of farmers cooperatives, Essimi Menye was in Santa on April 30, 2014 to hand irish potato seeds, inputs(fertilizers, compost manure) to some 700 farmers to increase farm seizes and production. Before handing over the support to the beneficiaries, Essimi Menye said that government is determined to see that President Biya policy of a second generation produces the expected results.

Besides, Essimi Menye also announced that government has added 15 tractors to the Santa Equipment Pool which had only 5, lone in the region. He said similar Irish potato agricultural pools shall be established in Kumbo, Noni, Oku in the North West Region, Dschang and Bafoussam in the West Region and Lebialem in the South West Region. According to the Agriculture boss, expectations are high at that after seven months the story in Santa would serve as a model for other areas to copy. To the staff of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the minister cautioned that they would be held accountable should incase the project flops. He advised them to make sure the seeds are planted in time, fertilized in time and sprayed against blight.

Essimi Menye signing the visitor's book

Earlier on, the mayor of Santa council Kan Elroy Moses in welcoming Essimi Menye and his team, expressed gratitude to government for the timely support which will go a long way to improve on the living standard of the farming population. “God seems to be our advocate” he confirmed, adding that the Santa council will spare no efforts to make sure that the project succeeds.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Madam Tumasang Florence expressed joy and thankfulness to MINADER Boss. She enumerated other laudable programs such as the creation of the Santa Agricultural Equipment Pool, the construction of the Awing Agric Post, Irish Potatoes Warehouse etc. “We will do all for the project to succeed”, she promised.

On the other hand, Mokom Vincent, the Director of the Santa Equipment Pool in an interview with this reporter revealed that quantity of seed, and inputs donated to farmers stood at 70 tons, (7000 kilograms), 2800 bags of compost manure, and 1400 packages of specific fertilizers.

Essimi Menye addressing farmers and tchnicians

He said it is expected that after seven months each farmer should be able to harvest at least 15 tons per hectare. 

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