Cameroon is intensifying efforts to become the world's leading producer of bananas and plantains by 2030, said Gabriel Mbairobe, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. The plan includes boosting current production levels through targeted initiatives and partnerships.
Currently, Cameroon produces over 6 million tonnes of bananas and plantains annually. The government aims to increase this to 7.5 million tonnes by 2025 and 10 million tonnes by 2030. Mbairobe highlighted these goals while signing a partnership with state media outlet CRTV to promote these efforts.
"Our country is the first banana and plantain producer in Africa ... but there are still many challenges. [That is why] we want to introduce varieties that will resist climate change and parasites," Mbairobe said.
As part of this move, Cameroon will host the third edition of the International Banana-Plantain Festival in December.
Samuel Tony Obam Bikoue, head of the National Association of Actors of the Banana-Plantain Sector, noted that the festival is a step towards modernizing and boosting production. Bananas and plantains are staple foods in Cameroon, essential for food security, and versatile in their culinary uses.