Towards emergence by 2035:

Industrialization comes to Donga Mantung doorsteps 

The Secretary of State for Mines, Industries and Technological Development, who doubles as the initiator, founder and chief executive officer of the Frontier Agro Industrial Programme, FAINAP, has announced a vast project to develop the unique diversity of Donga Mantung through agro pastoral activities. Dr. FuhCalistus Gentry made the disclosure in Nkambe on 22 March 2016 during a ground breaking ceremony that brought together all the partners and stakeholders of the project.

By a correspondent in Nkambe

Dr. FuhCalistus Gentry explaining FAINAP’s 

industrialization vision to partners and stakeholders

He told his listeners that FAINAP's vision is geared towards developing Donga Mantung through encouraging large scale agro-pastoral production and transformation. 

                “The project will create storage facilities and marketing channels so as to ensure sustainability,” Dr. Fuh said, also noting that over 300.000 tons of maize is projected to be produced yearly, cultivated on about 50.000 hectares of farmland. Also, some about 150 tonnes of palm oil is targeted for production, on a plantation area covering 20.000 hectares.

                To kick-start the project, FAINAP has shared out 2 tons of improved maize seeds to farmers to encourage the development of maize clusters. Meanwhile, maize seed multiplication farms will in the months ahead be established in Ako and the Mbaw plain.  The seed farms are expected to boost maize production as well as encourage second cycle maize farming in the Division.

                Dr. Calistus used the opportunity to thank partners of FAINAP notably PIDMA, PRO-COM-PH, IRAD, ACEFA, AFGRILAND, AGT and the National Maize Programme for endorsing and pledging their support for the project.

                On his part the Senior Divisional Officer for Donga Mantung, NgoneNdodeMesape Bernard congratulated FAINAP and its partners for their efforts in promoting second generation agriculture in the Division. He called on the beneficiaries to maximize the opportunities offered by the project. 

                On his part, the National Coordinator of PIDMA, (World Bank sponsored programme) hailed FAINAP for its efforts in promoting large scale agro-production. NgueBissa Thomas said PIDMA could not be indifferent to such an initiative reason why they have supported FAINAP with 1 ton of improved maize seeds.

                "We are looking forward to working with FAINAP in setting up cooperatives in the Division. We are ready to support the project so that it achieves its desired objectives. We are confident about the success of the project because Donga Mantung has the requisite ecological potentials to host such a project," Ngue told journalists.

                It should be noted that FAINAP also seeks to introduce mechanized agriculture in Donga Mantung Division with prospects of establishing clusters and production basins. The objective is to establish a functional industrial zone with diversified industries linked to the maize, oil palm and diary sectors.

                While the Mayor of Nkambe, Ngabir Paul Bantar hailed the project saying, agriculture is the bedrock of industrial development, the Mayor of Ndu,Bunyui Emmanuel opined that FAINAP should not politicize the project. He frowned at the fact some participants came to the meeting dressed in CPDM party uniform.