With 18 seed fields that extend over a total area of 449 hectares, the National Support Programme for maize sector (PNAFM) of the Ministry of Agriculture expects a total production of 900 tonnes of improved maize seed in the Eastern Region of Cameroon revealed Desire Abieguébé, local manager of PNAFM.

This project will help replace the seeds genetically eroded, currently-used by most producers in the country since the 80s, with improved seeds that may produce 6 to 8 tonnes per hectare against 2 to 3 hectares currently.

As a reminder, the national maize production in Cameroon is officially around 1.8 million tonnes, estimated at about 2 million tonnes of domestic demand (taking into account the needs of the local brewing industry), meaning a shortfall production of 200,000 tonnes.

This deficit is generally attributed to traditional seeds which are popular with producers at the expense of improved seeds offering more attractive yields.