AGROPOLE challenge Kumba farmers to engage in pineapple production

By Doh Bertrand Nua in Kumba

AGROPOLE Challenge Kumba Farmers

Farmers in Kumba, Meme Division of the Southwest region have been challenged by officials of AGROPOLE to engage in the production, processing and marketing of pineapples. The call was made on December 30, 2016 during the launching of activities of AGROPOLE for production, processing and marketing of Pineapples at the Mukete Estate Limited.

                Speaking during the launch, National Coordinator of AGROPOLE, Ngo'oBitomoAdrien revealed the importance of the pineapple project cannot be underestimated as it is important not only to the Southwest Region but the country at large. According to him, the project will serve as employment for over 400 youths, create links and partnership with foreign bodies, aid in the fight against rural exodus, and a host of others.

                MrNgo'oBitomoAdrien,  National Coordinator stated that through this program the government has clearly respect its rules to support agro pastoral programs in the country. To him the program marks the beginning of a productive, sustainable and effective partnership with partners. He further disclosed that Mukete Estate Limited is one of the largest companies and provider of jobs after CDC and PAMOL in Cameroon.

                On his part the Manager of Mukete Estate Limited, GodfredMbeMukete outline some of the difficulties they face in producing pineapples amongst which were; insecurity as a result of theft, the

acquisition of access to inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides, the inability to market all their produces, inadequate labour force, the unfavorable weather conditions during the dry season, the non accessible nature of roads during the rainy season, the fluctuation of price of pineapples in the market and many more. The Manager also disclosed that the plantation started in 2014 and functions on a labour force of over 25 people. Adding that they initially got seedlings from Lowe but they are privilege to produce theirs now.

                The representative of beneficiaries, Jonas Mbi appreciated the indispensable sacrifice from Mukete Estate in launching the ceremony and seeing that the event goes on hitch-free. He however noted that the pineapple project gives them the opportunity to benefit from the President's view of second generation agriculture. It also serves as an open eye to the population who will realize that pineapples is as productive as cocoa and coffee, while improving the health condition of the population giving health benefits associated to it as well as alleviate poverty with the provision of jobs. It should be noted that the pineapple plantation covers a surface area of 118 hectares, present annual production which stands at 1,200tons of fruits with overall cost of the project at the sum of 1.720.990.000.