Hundreds of farmers in Meme Division of the Southwest Region are lamenting over the poor quality and non-germinating maize seedlings distributed to them for planting by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, MINADER.

The farmers have been left at crossroads, given that the planting period for maize has passed, but very few of them are comfortable, because the supposedly improved maize seedlings from Government have remained under the soil.

Elizabeth Muma, a resident of Kombone Bafaw in Konye Subdivision, confirmed the story of dead maize seedlings distributed to farmers by Government.

According to her, not even a grain of corn from the packets she received from the Government and planted has germinated or shown any sign of germination.

Muma told The Post that some villagers have already concluded that the maize seedlings are not germinating because of the too much used of chemicals to improve on the quality of the seeds.

She explained that some women groups have been going around the community and discouraging others from attempting to use the maize as food.

“The planting season for maize is already over and with the eminent rainy season, even if the women attempt to plant the normal maize they have as a remedy, it will be at a very high risk because there is particular specie of maggots that eats up the maize grains immediately it is planted.”

To Cecilia Ebune, the maize seedling scandal only adds up to the numerous sufferings Cameroonians go through in the hands of Government. She wondered how the State would have ordered for the distribution of such seedlings without proper verification. Ebune said with such situations, the Government must strive to bar issues of mistrust between her and her citizens if the nation must move ahead.

Another farmer, Joseph Itoe, explained that the consequences of such errors will be an unprecedented increase in the price of corn. Itoe said the overall effect will mean an increase in the cost of living on households.

Delegate Grapples With Disaster

In the face of the problem, the Divisional Delegate of Agriculture and Rural Development for Meme, Richard Molua, has issued a radio communiqué explaining the error.

According to the Delegate, the error has been rectified and a new consignment of maize seedlings made available to farmers. He is urging farmers who have the old stock to discard it and enlist for the new seedlings.