Some 30 hybrids and genetically enhanced piglets evaluated at approximately FCFA 28.5 million have been shared to some farmers in the Upper Sanaga, Lekie and Mefou & Akono Divisions of the Centre Region.

The distribution of the piglets named “NAIMA” to the farmers was carried out by the Minister of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries, MINEPIA, Dr. Taïga, during a two-day field visit of privately owned livestock and fisheries farms on September 10 and 11, 2014. The field trip also took the Minister to Mfoundi and Nyong & So’o Divisions, all in the Centre Region.

Beneficiary structures engaged in modern livestock rearing that received 10 piglets each from Dr. Taïga included the Westend Farms Group PLC located in Ndokoa, Mbandjock in the Upper Sanaga, the Agro-Pastoral Complex of Mbele in the Lekie and the Abang Rearing Complex in the Mefou and Akono.

A specialist, Dr. Bourdanne of the Agriculture Competitiveness Programme, PACA, said the “NAIMA” piglet is a combination of the Chinese and European species. He said the parents of “NAIMA” were imported and fattened for reproduction at the Kounden livestock station. The specie, he noted, is capable of reproducing at least 17 piglets during a single delivery.

Speaking during the first lap of the visit on September 10 in Ndokoa, the Promoter and Board Chair of the Westend Farms Group PLC, General Ivo Yenwo, disclosed that the agro-pastoral industrial complex has taken 30 years to evolve to its present state. He said they are engaged in large-scale livestock rearing of pigs, cultivation of maize and soya beans. The setting up of poultry farms as well as a ranch for cattle rearing, is also on course, The Post gathered.

Acknowledging the fruitful collaboration from MINEPIA, General Yenwo said the visit of Dr. Taiga was the very first in 30 years, despite unfulfilled promises from his predecessors to do so. He said because of concerted Government action, the investments have been protected for over the years. He said a major problem they are facing is the acquisition of improved genetic materials.

At the Agro-Pastoral Complex of Mbele, the promoter of the project, Odile Eyebe Ayissi, told the Minister that the complex occupying a surface area of two hectares was created in 2008 by members of the Oyili Bininga Network of the Lekie.

She said their goal is not only to engage women in the fight against hunger and poverty in the country, but to also enhance the socio-economic development of its members through pig and poultry farming as well as the cultivation of maize and soya beans. They also have an animal feed production unit.

Eyebe Ayissi outlined the high cost of basic inputs and veterinary products, use of rudimentary tools, blurred prospects of recycling and training of specialists, scarcity of animal hybrid, lack of funding, among others, as some of the problems besetting their activities.

On the second day of the visit on September 11, the Director of Financial Affairs at the Mvog-Betsi Poultry Farming Complex in Yaounde, Saturnin Nkanda, who represented the Director, acknowledged the reception of State subventions.

He said such support from Government has kept prices of fowls in the market relatively low, thereby stemming the high cost of living of households.

Nkanda also talked of the rising needs of the institution in the face of globalisation and stiff competition from foreign producers. He said for them to remain in business and serve Cameroonians adequately, they need more support in terms of funding and reduction of taxes and customs duties.

After leading the Minister and entourage to the banks of his fish pond in Bikok village, Mefou & Akono Division, Jerome Mvondo told reporters that the promotion of fish farming and other aspects of agriculture is a desire he is working hard to accomplish. He said products from the sector don’t only create enormous wealth, but that it feeds the population as well.

Appreciating the visit by the Minister, Mvondo said what is required to invest in fish farming is minimal compared to what is reaped in terms of yields. He said land and water, which are in abundance in Cameroon, are the basic things needed for fish farming to take off as he hoped to see MINEPIA encourage more people to join the sector.

Meanwhile, the promoter of the Abang Rearing Complex still in Mefou & Akono, Yvette Fouda Abena, disclosed that since creation in 2006, the pig, poultry and fish production units of the complex have been prospering. She said in a year, some 4,800 piglets are produced, reason why they were chosen as a major production, transformation and sale of pork for the city of Yaounde and its environs.

“Our goal is to move from the current slaughtering of 5,300 to 25,800 pigs per year... While awaiting the start of modern production of day-old chicks in the weeks ahead, through our traditional session, we produce 5,000 chicks weekly, thanks to 1,200 hens and 289 cocks,” Fouda Abena told the Minister. The complex has 10 fish ponds of 1,000m2.

Talking to the media at the end of the tour at a privately owned fish farm in Mbalmayo in the Nyong & So’o Division, Dr. Taïga who quoted President Paul Biya severally during the trip, saying the purpose of the field visit was to see what small and medium size livestock and fisheries producers were doing.

“This was not a speech-making event for me. I am happy that you got the appealing message of the President and decided to respond positively through your livestock and fisheries activities. You are true professionals and patriots that need huge encouragement from MINEPIA,” the Minister told the farmers.

He urged them to work harder, remarking that the development and growth of every nation is through the private sector.

“Their activities create jobs and Government only plays the role of a facilitator,” Dr. Taïga stated.