January 17, 2011

China to help improve Cameroon corn output

Cameroon will be provided with high-yielding rice and corn seeds by China's state-owned corporation Shaanxi Land Reclamation Corp to increase its cereal harvest, according to the company's local affiliate.

The affiliate, IKO Ltd, has been conducting research on industrial production of rice, corn, tubers, vegetables and ostriches in Nanga Eboko, around 50 kilometres northeast of Yaounde.

"We've have signed agreements with two other Chinese companies, which will help us to produce provide technical know-how on the distribution and handling of seeds for corn and rice in Cameroon as from next year. These are very good pest-resistant, high-yielding seeds to be produced and tested in Cameroon, which will tremendously boost corn and rice production here," IKO president Yang Haomin said.

Yang was speaking after meeting with Vice Premier HuiLiangyu, who was in Cameroon on a state visit to seal economic and diplomatic ties. IKO was one of several Chinese companies showcasing their products for Hui on Thursday (Jan 13).

Cameroon suffers acute shortages of rice and corn, despite the availability of excess arable land to grow the crops. The country's annual rice output stands at 80,000 tonnes, but imports more than 500,000tonnes a year from China, India and Pakistan. The country produces 1.6 million tonnes of corn annually for industrial and domestic consumption.