Cameroon’s Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD) has launched a harvest campaign for basic wheat seeds at the Wassandé research site in the Adamawa region, with authorities expecting to produce 600 tons of basic seed from the operation. The site formerly hosted the Wheat Development Corporation (Sodéblé), which became defunct several decades ago. The seeds produced will be supplied to seed multipliers who will increase seed volumes to certified levels for distribution to farmers through the Ministry of Agriculture.
Officials say the 600 tons expected from Wassandé will raise the site’s total basic seed output to 1,600 tons over a little more than three years, reflecting progress in revitalising wheat seed production after decades of low domestic output. Certified seeds derived from the basic seed harvest will be integrated into national distribution programmes to expand wheat cultivation among local farmers.
The initiative forms part of the government’s broader effort to boost local wheat production and reduce reliance on costly imports that negatively impact Cameroon’s trade balance. In July 2022, the president authorised a five-year phased budget of CFA 10 billion (about US$17.8 million) to support IRAD and related agricultural development activities. The funding is designed to strengthen research, seed production and support services that underpin sustainable wheat cultivation in the country.
Authorities say expanding local seed production and certified seed availability is key to Cameroon’s strategy to diversify agricultural output, raise productivity and improve food security, given wheat is a staple commodity for households and the food industry. Increasing domestic seed supply is expected to encourage more farmers to adopt improved wheat varieties, strengthen national self-sufficiency and lower foreign exchange pressure tied to wheat imports.
