Kumba, Meme Division:

Barombi Kang natives seize 50% of IRAD land, set experimental farms ablaze

-IRAD Chief of Centre beckons gov’t to take action against irate land grabbers

By Doh Bertrand Nua in Kumba

IRAD Barombi Kang officials pose with stakeholders during Open Door day

The Chief of Centre for the Institute of Agricultural Research and Development, IRAD, Dr. Maurine Atemnkeng has revealed that 50% of land belonging to the institution has been confiscated by land mongers in the Barombi Kang village. She made the revelation during the 2017 Open Door Day of the institution on April 6 under the theme ‘Researchers Stakeholder Partnership in Agric Business.’

                Dr. Maurine Atemnkeng is calling on the government to take urgent action and met out sanctions against the encroachers on IRAD land. She regretted that some of the encroachers have resorted to setting ablaze IRAD property and experimental farms once they are asked to vacate the parcels of land that they illegally occupy.

                She revealed that during a meeting with the chief and traditional council of Barombi Kang it was resolved that as from the month of August this year no illegal farming shall be tolerated on IRAD lands. She said only recognized farmers’ cooperatives will have access to IRAD land and their activities shall be supervised by IRAD researchers. 

                According to Maurine Atemnkeng, IRAD Barombi Kang covers a land surface of 291 hectares with more than 50% being occupied by encroachers that are currently farming on the land illegally. She noted that due to the economic crisis that stroke the country in the early 1990s, cereal culture research at the Southern Bakundu Forest Reserve was suspended and today this forest has been invaded by illegal occupants for wood and farming.

She decried the unprotected nature of the IRAD station which she blames for the in and out movement of humans and stray animals, occasioning theft and destruction of property. The situation is aggravated by the illegal occupation of IRAD land by villagers.

                The IRAD Barombi Kang boss regrets that while the centre is pursuing its mission of researching and improving the quality and quantity of agricultural production in the country, land mongers and their misguided activities have remained a major source of drawback. She recounted how fire completely consumed a cocoa factorial trial plot that covered 3 hectares and how in February this year the cocoa plantation that was already at the production stage was set on fire by unknown persons cultivating illegally on IRAD land. 

While lauding the efforts of the local administrative authorities for the steps taken so far, Atemnkeng urged them to do more as the problems are still pending and getting worse by the day.

                Speaking at the event, the Government Delegate to the Kumba City Council, Victor NgohNkelle noted that because agronomic research is aimed to boost food self-sufficiency, it is a major determinant to the peace in the country.

                “Today Kumba is the biggest producer of cash crops notably cocoa thanks to the improved inputs from IRAD,” NgohNkelle said.

                On his part, the Deputy General Manager of IRAD, Dr. Joseph Mourn Bedimo explained that the open door day provides an opportunity for IRAD to showcase the fruits of its activities. It helps farmers to discover new inputs that can help improve their output.

                The open door day was presided over by the First Assistant senior Divisional Officer for Meme, EpolewaneVerklineMbua and witnessed the presence of the Regional Chief of Center for IRAD Ekona, Bruno Efombagn amongst other elites and top officials of the Division.