Far North experiences a deficit of 132,000 tonnes of cereal

The observation was made during the Organization of the agro-pastoral fair organized in the region, which ended Wednesday.

Food insecurity threatens three departments of the region of the far North: Mayo Sava, Mayo Tsanaga and Logone and Chari. For this reason, according to the regional delegate of the Ministry of Agriculture and rural development in the far North, Abakachi, the border areas shared with neighbouring Nigeria, stronghold of the Boko Haram sect is prey to insecurity affecting the region in recent months.

This situation has produced a negative impact on the agro-pastoral production. Populations have experienced significant losses due to the abandonment of cattle and fields. They have faced difficulties in maintenance of plots and the absence of supervision of agricultural agents affected by the prohibition to circulate on motorcycle.

It is in this context of tension that the 2014 edition of the regional agro-pastoral fair in the Extrême-Nord, was organized from 22 to 23 December 2014.

More than 200 products displayed their wares. Taking into account the foregoing difficulties, this meeting between farmers, pastoralists, the authorities and technical and economic partners had as goal to create a friendly space. The Governor of the region of the far North, Midjiyawa Bakari, who launched the event, encouraging producers, noted with great pleasure their dedication and commitment.

The regional delegate of Minader took the opportunity of the launching ceremony to brush the balance sheet of the 2014 campaign. Agriculturally, in the entire region, four departments have been recorded as having a cereal deficit either due to insecurity or insufficient rainfall.

According to statistics, a deficit of harvest is estimated at-132,000 tonnes needed food at regional value of 770,300 tons. The poor production due to insecurity in the three affected departments, evaluated at 121 870 tonnes of cereal, or a lack-to-earn estimated at 30 billion f.

In these circumstances, the regional delegate of Minader, Abakachi noted that 'alarm has been launched to improve production to avoid a famine disaster' - he said. This major event of "give and receive" through this sharing of experience, must stimulate interest and innovation among the main actors of the rural world.