Rice Production: UNVDA Revamps Equipment

Economie
Choves LOH | 29-12-2017 10:36

MINEPAT funds inspires the Ndop-based agroindustry to target the development of 7,000 more hectares of land for rice production in 2018.

From the look of things, it is evident that 2018 inspires hope for rice production in the Ndop plain. The new General Management of the Upper Nun Valley Development Authority (UNVDA), agro industry inspires hope for farmers who have stated preparedness to turn full circle to produce more rice for domestic consumption. The 14,132 farmers on roll at UNVDA spent 2017 end-of-year feasts without stress after receiving pay for some 1,400 tons of rice produced. It has been satisfaction at the agro industry with the increase in production, up from barely 480 tons of rice the previous year.

It is against this background that the 53rd Ordinary and Extra-ordinary Board Sessions of the UNVDA on December 21, 2017 adopted a budget of FCFA 2,794,846,000 to enhance activities in 2018. Cameroon Tribune got it from the new General Manager, Eric Akongnui Andangfung that UNVDA priorities in 2018 features the opening of new rice fields, opening of more farm-tomarket roads and above all, proximity actions in the interest of farmers.

The Director of Land Development and Construction, Francis Fonayi Waindim told CT that the business ability of the new General Manager was quick to help the agro industry receive FCFA 889,689,436 from the Ministry of the Economy, Planning and Regional Development,(MINEPAT) for the rehabilitation of their equipment pool in 2017. Francis Fonayi Waindim said 2018 will feature the development of the 7,000 more hectares of land, especially in the neighbourhood of the Babungo strategic farms.

In 2017, UNVDA developed some 1,000 more hectares of land, opened 32 km of access roads, rehabilitated some 18 km of Dikes and featured 30km of secondary irrigation Canals in the Monoun neighbourhood. Their December 21, 2017 Board Sessions in Ndop, presided over by Board Chairman, Tikela Kemonne Dodou adopted their draft action plan and budget for 2018, modified some budgetary lines and regularized transfers of funds received from MINEPAT to enhance activities and give visibility to rice production.