Target is ensuring better quality product in the world market and livelihood for farmers.

Smoke contamination of cocoa beans that plagued the cocoa sector may soon be a thing of the past thanks to some 2,500 cocoa driers and ovens for farmers in both the South West and Littoral Regions.

During the official launch of the rehabilitation project of cocoa driers in the South West economic hub of Kumba on May 26, stakeholders in the sector  hailed the initiative as a positive move for a better livelihood for farmers and an innovation that  will  ensure humid-free cocoa from Cameroon to the world market.

Addressing cocoa farmers, organisations, cooperatives and stakeholders of the sector, the General Manager of the National Cocoa and Coffee Board (NCCB) Michael Ndoping recalled the pledge made by the Minister of Trade in early 2013 in Muyuka when he handed over some 100 ovens to cocoa farmers but regretted that it was just the tip of the iceberg.

The rehabilitation of the 2,500 ovens is therefore a dream come true and a testimony that when government promises it honours its words, he said. He regretted that cocoa from Cameroon had been labelled as smoky cocoa and cocoa with smoky odour.  It is time to put an end to this negative image that is reflected with the poor income paid to cocoa farmers, he stressed. 

The NCCB boss informed cocoa farmers that the second component will involve the training of technicians to handle the ovens and driers but cautioned that these items are given free and must serve the community.

In the same vein, the Government Delegate to the Kumba City Council, Victor Nkelle Ngoh  thanked government for diverse impressive projects in the cocoa sector especially nurseries at the entrance of Kumba, a town he hailed as cocoa land. Unfortunately, he said, smoke contamination of cocoa beans has reached alarming proportions and chronic diseases make the crop to suffer from chronic growth.

Reason why he called for the training of local technicians, competent welders, transfer of research technology and noted that the  current launch that ensures proper fermentation and drying, is a stitch in time. Musima James, Vice President of the Cocoa and Coffee Inter Professional Board (CCIC) was jubilant that his plea over the years has fallen on receptive ears. “We want sanity in the sector so that the livelihood of our farmers is ensured. Cameroon cocoa should be imported humid-free in order to attract better prices for our farmers.” Joel Atangana was officially installed as Coordinator of the rehabilitation project.