The Farm Manager of SOWEDA Seed Multiplication Centre, Nyan/Nkikoh, Bangem Sub Division, Mekolle Emmanuel Ngole, says the centre aims to eradicate endemic poverty in Kupe Muanenguba by supplying farmers with quality, subsidized planting materials.
Ngole was speaking on May 1, 2026 at Paul Biya’s Stadium Bangem, on the occasion of the celebration of the 140th edition of the International Labour Day in Kupe Muanenguba under the theme, “Social Dialogue and Decent Work: Factors of Peace, National Cohesion and Economic Development of the Company.”
“The goal is to reduce farmers’ cost of production and increase farm revenue, hence improved living standards,” Ngole said.
Located in Nyan/Nkikoh, Bangem Sub Division, the centre offers improved, disease-free, high-yielding varieties to smallholders at below-market rates. Current products include maize seeds at 500 FCFA/kg, plantain plantlets at 50 FCFA each, cocoa seedlings at 50 FCFA, oil palm seedlings at 500 FCFA, and cassava cuttings at 2 FCFA per cutting.
Ngole’s expectation is clear: “By this time next year, every farmer should have access to quality planting materials.” He noted that access to certified seeds remains a major barrier for rural households, driving down yields and income.
Looking ahead, the centre plans to diversify into new crops and livestock for Kupe Muanenguba. “Our plan is to introduce oil palm and white pepper, and even livestock,” Ngole disclosed. The move is expected to expand income options for farmers beyond traditional staples like cocoa and cassava.
The farm manager also commended his staff for their commitment. “I wish to thank the staff for the shifts they put in to ensure we succeed in our different tasks. I encourage them to be more decent and dedicated in future tasks to meet our expectations,” he said.
SOWEDA, the South West Development Authority, runs seed centres across the region to boost food security and rural livelihoods. The Nyan/Nkikoh centre serves farming communities in Bangem, Tombel, and Nguti, where demand for affordable, improved planting materials remains high.
With input costs rising, Ngole insists subsidized quality seeds are key to breaking the poverty cycle. “When farmers spend less to plant and harvest more, the whole community wins,” he added.
By Olive Ejang
