(Business in Cameroon) - The figure represents a close to 31% increase in production, up from 26,322 tons in the 2010/2011 season. The National Coffee and Coffee Board (NCCB) revealed the statistics during the launching of the new coffee season in Dschang, West region of Cameroon on January 17, 2013. It was the first time the Menoua division was hosting a ceremony of this nature although it is the highest producer of this cash crop. This production belt produces 12,500 tons of Arabica and 3670 tons of Robusta.

In the future, Cameroon wants to up its production to 90,000 tons per year in 2015. This figure is close to that of 1985 when the country used to produce 75,000 tons of Arabica. No doubt, the Minister of Agriculture, Essimi Menye asked the farmers to redouble the efforts during the ceremony.

However, authorities are concerned about the quality of coffee produced in the country. Micheal Ndoping, Director General of NCCB, thinks the period of sensitization is over and sanctions have to follow. “We have agents in all production belts of the country, and they have the power to confiscate, destroy or resale products of farmers who do not respect regulations,” the Director General said. According to him, it is a competitive sector, and the “difference is made only in terms of quality. We have to make a choice between quality and bad crops,” he concluded. To promote quality, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, announced it will continue to distribute young plants and pesticides to farmers.

Jude Viban