Cameroon Invests in Rice: Yaoundé Must 'Rethink' Agriculture to Boost Local Production—Journalist

Cameroon Invests in Rice: Yaoundé Must 'Rethink' Agriculture to Boost Local Production—Journalist

Recent decision to upgrading the authority that oversees rice cultivation in northwestern Cameroon is a crucial step toward closing the quality gap between local and imported grains, Victor Esso Tiki from the Afrique-Infos journal told Sputnik Africa.

In early July, the government allocated approximately $7 million specifically to this regional rice cultivating authority to boost domestic output and reduce the country's reliance on imports.

"It is often criticized that the quality of local rice is not always as good as that of imported rice. This is what some households say. But the investments will allow for the polishing of this rice, increase production capacities, and improve seeds. This will create jobs, generate added value, and reduce the trade balance deficit," Tiki noted.

However, Tiki emphasized that financial injections alone are not enough. To truly revitalize the sector, the country must enact comprehensive agricultural reforms to grant youth access to land.

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Source: https://en.sputniknews.africa