A Chinese company, Shaanxi Land Reclamation Group, made the promise on thursday after a meeting with visiting Chinese Vice-Prime Minister, Hui Liangyu.

Cameroon is a land of plenty, but efforts are needed to step up production and meet the needs of the ever growing population. However, the country is reputed for the production of high- yielding crops despite the setbacks. Corn pests and other diseases have been identified as prime factors that affect yields.

The state-owned conglomerate, Shaanxi Land Reclamation Corporation (also known as Shaanxi State Farm), which operates in Cameroon through its subsidiary IKO Ltd, involved in agricultural ventures most notably ostrich breeding, has pledged financial, technological and machinery assistance to the county’s agricultural sector. The President of the company, Yang Haomin, told the press yesterday January 13 after meeting with the visiting Chinese Vice-Prime Minister, Hui Liangyu, that they have started initiatives to distribute seed cereals to farmers in the coming year for cultivation. In this respect, the company has signed agreements with two other Chinese companies.

He went further to say that for five years that IKO Ltd has operated in Cameroon, local labour has been of great help. Since it went operational in 2005 in Nanga-Eboko in the Upper Sanaga Division of the Centre Region, IKO Ltd, Yang Haomi said, has tested 500 grains of different species and a few found to be suitable for local cultivation like corn, Chinese cabbage, cabbage, cassava, green pepper, rice, Irish potatoes and pineapples. The company also plans to step up production of rice and other food crops.

Besides discussing with their Vice-Prime Minister Hui Liangyu, the company showcased a variety of their produce. Products were exhibited in two stands; one containing beauty product, shoes, hand bags, belts and meat, all from the ostriches they raise while the main table was made up of agricultural products like corn, cassava, pineapples, and green pepper.