Cameroon plans to triple rice production by 2026, envisage to lead in exportation in Africa by 2030
By Stephen TADAHA
The government of Cameroon envisages to triple rice production from 150,000 tons to 450,000 tons by 2026. Agriculture and Rural Development minister, Gabriel Mbairobe made the revelation on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 in Santchou, Menoua Division of the West Region while presiding over a ceremony to launch the Rice Value Chain Development Project.
The government member also revealed during the ceremony that the vision of the government is to curb rice importation by relying on local production so as to make Cameroon a leading rice exporter by 2030. This will pass through the implementation of import substitution policy and become self sufficient in the years ahead.
“Santchou is a good example of diversity in agriculture in Cameroon. Government’s commitment is to multiply rice production by 3 in 2026 and to give our country the opportunity to become an exporter in 2030” the MINADER boss declared.
We are confident that we can achieve this objective given that the Head of State has given us the means and opportunity and we think that with the dynamism of the population and producers, we can achieve this objective ” he added.
The launch of the Rice Value Chain Development Project RVCDP, by the Minister was done in the presence of Governors Adolphe Lele Lafrique and Awa Fonka Augustine of the North West and West Regions respectively. Also present were the Presidents of the West Regional Council and North West Regional Assembly, and the Country Representative of Islamic Development Bank and a host of regional dignitaries.
The project is aimed at addressing and removing constraints in rice production chain, deploy integrated and complementary interventions that increase rice production and finally contribute to self-sufficiency, enhance economic growth and increase household income. It is funded by the Islamic Development Bank and targets 180 smallholders and 700,000 households in the West and North West Regions.
