MINADER Launches 1st Category Seed Multiplication Farm in Santa

There is a major plus in the nation's project for second-generation agriculture with the creation of three 1st category farms or better still, seed multiplication farms in Santa, Lagdo and Batouri. In effect, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, (MINADER) Essimi Menye on July 20, 2013 launched Santa's seed multiplication farm with an objective to produce enough quality vegetable seeds for farmers. The initiative is inspired by the government's commitment to enhance second-generation agriculture at a time when demand is high. It is against this background that the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development is poised to be in control of quality and quantity seeds produced across the country.

On the spot in the neighbourhood of Santa, North West Region, Minister Essimi Menye sized up some 20 hectares of land available for the purpose with revelations that a hectare of the fertile land can produce 20 metric tons of seeds. The North West Regional Delegate of MINADER, Godfrey Nutoto told the Minister about the conducive climate for the project with information that the North West is convenient for vegetable production with Mezam, Bui, Boyo and Donga Mantung leading in the production of Irish potatoes. He told the Minister that the region is also credited with the production and supply of seeds. It was also a moment for the Minister to stress the need for specialised storage facilities for seeds.

Away from that, the market situation for vegetables like Irish potatoes, carrots and beans is good. It emerged from the visit that the Irish potato crop can take a farmer from poverty to the rich line in barely 90 days. Te Santa neighbourhood is good for the production of mondial and Caesar varieties of potatoes with seeds that are good for the North West and Western highlands. A working session involving Governor Adolphe Lele Lafrique, the General Manager of MIDENO, John B. Ndeh, the Mayor of Santa council and collaborators dropped curtains on the MINADER outing.