To boost harvests, strengthen food security: IRAD donates 16 tonnes of improved seeds to farmers in Bibémi, Rey-Bouba.

The seed donations were handed over recently to leaders of local farmers’ organisations in Bibémi in the Bénoué Division and Rey-Bouba in the Mayo-Rey Division. The initiative was carried out by the government through IRAD, led by Director General Dr Noé Woin.

According to IRAD, the package included improved maize, sorghum, rice and soybean seeds. The agricultural institute noted that the seeds can cover about 1,400 hectares of farmland and are expected to produce more than 12,000 tonnes of certified seeds. 

The handover ceremonies took place in the presence of administrative, municipal and traditional authorities, as well as local residents. Farmers also received technical production guides alongside the seeds.

IRAD said the support is aimed at helping producers cope with increasing agricultural challenges, including floods, prolonged droughts, crop diseases and destructive birds. 

Farmers, IRAD added, will also receive continuous technical assistance from officials of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, MINADER, and IRAD.

The institute revealed that the distribution comes as preparations intensify for the 2026 farming season in the two localities. Authorities expect the improved seeds to contribute to higher agricultural productivity and strengthen the availability of quality planting materials.

During the handover events, IRAD said residents were also sensitised on the cultivation of cashew trees. IRAD presented the crop as a promising value chain for producers interested in cashew apples and nuts in the northern part of the country.

According to IRAD, the gatherings also featured exhibition stands showcasing agricultural innovations and technology packages developed by IRAD researchers in recent years. 

The displays, IRAD disclosed, included dual-purpose forage species, packaged foundation seeds of cowpea, maize, rice, sorghum and soybean, as well as processed products such as pop rice, rice dackéré, hibiscus syrup, maize biscuits, soybean porridge and livestock mineral lick blocks.

Beneficiaries welcomed the support and expressed appreciation to public authorities and IRAD management for the initiative.

According to the institute, the seed distribution forms part of efforts to promote resilient and productive agriculture and aligns with the implementation of the Integrated Agro-Pastoral and Fisheries Import Substitution Plan, known by its French acronym PIISAH.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3833 of Tuesday June 30, 2026