A one day workshop to train farmers on how to improve solanum potato production and soil conservation has taken place at the Bamendankwe Fon's palace.
The one-day workshop organized for rural farmers in Bamendakwe on Saturday March 22nd 2025 by Senator Prof. Nebah Ndosiri Bridgette Ndoye in collaboration with the Bamenda I Municipal Council and MINADER had as objective to revitalized the production of solanum potatoes in the community.
The workshop which took place at the Bamendankwe Palace Hall, brought together women farmers from the area, who were also lectured on the latest farming techniques to ensure high yields and soil conservation methods.
Cross section of participants
The initiative comes on the heels of complaints from farmers in Bamendankwe, who struggled to access good quality seeds and best practices for solanum potato production.
The senator's intervention also aimed at addressing their challenges in the sector as well as promote sustainable farming practices.
Speaking to The Observer, Senator Prof. Nebah Ndosiri Ndoye further highlighted the importance of supporting Irish potato farmers in the region with the necessary knowledge in this domain.
She said "In this area, in Mezam, even the whole of the north-west region, Irish potato is a very stable crop and it thrives in all climatic conditions and all soil types. But of late we have realized that the women of this area are having some issues as far as Irish potato farming is concerned."
During the workshop, experts pointed out the importance of using specific chemicals and adhering to recommended spraying techniques and schedules, in an effort to protect the potatoes from insect damage.
Senator Nebah accompanied by quarterheads and the 1st Deputy Mayor of Bamenda I
The use of organic manure was also encouraged, while the practice of "ankara" a farming method, which involves burning bushes, was strongly discouraged.
In an interview, Chungong Divine, the Sub-regional delegate of Agriculture, one of the prime facilitator at the workshop, highlighted the need for improve production practices.
"We've observed a drastic drop in solanum potato production in Bamendankwe, although we lack exact figures due to the absence of a baseline survey, however, we know that the maximum production per hectare has dropped to six tons, which is below the ideal figure. Our goal is to increase production to 15-30 tons per hectare, which will inevitably lead to a surplus of solanum potatoes in the market." he noted.
In addition to the training, Senator Prof. Nebah Ndosiri Bridgette promised to provide improved solanum potato seeds to the farmers, further demonstrating her commitment to supporting the local farming community.
Solanum potatoes are a staple food crop globally, and efforts to boost production in Bamendankwe are seen as a vital step towards enhancing food security and empowering local farmers.
Senator Prof. Nebah Ndosiri's initiative has been hailed, a timely intervention which is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of farmers in Bamendankwe.
By providing rural farmers with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources, the senator's workshop paved the way for a brighter future for solanum potato production in the region, some of the participants attest.
A family picture with the farmers at the close of the workshop cemented the learning session initiated by Prof. Ndosiri Bridgette Ndoye, who encouraged the participants to share the knowledge gained with others in the community.
By
Munya Charles Babila
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