Cameroun - Jeunesse. Tchinda Linda, 23, Invests In Lucrative Tomato Farming
She studies Accountancy at the Catholic University Institute in the Diocese of Buea.
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Tchinda Linda is among some youths in the South West Regional capital, Buea, who has adhered fervently to President Paul Biya’s call of February 10, 2016 for youths to embark on agriculture. The 23 year lady , who joined her parents in tilling the soil some 10 years ago, has a one hectare farm in Bunduma, Buea where she cultivates tomatoes together with the help of her siblings. Planting is done twice a year: September and May.
“When the crop suffers from insects and poor weather , I can harvest 30 large baskets. But when harvest is good over 80 baskets are harvested”, she explains, adding that tomato prices greatly fluctuate depending on the period. When tomatoes are cheap, a basket is sold at FCFA 3.000, and they (farmers) smile when a basket hits FCFA 12.000.
Tchinda Linda narrates that tomato cultivation unlike other crops is a very risky venture. She has to water the young plants in the early hours in the morning and do same in the evening everyday. Spraying too is another routine activity that must be taken very seriously to prevent diseases from affecting the tomato crop. “I inspect the young stems almost every day and if I see any leaves or stems that are unhealthy, I immediately cut them off, thereby preventing the disease from affecting others,” she pointed out. When harvest is abundant, Tcinda Linda either takes her tomatoes to the Buea Central Market or the Muea Market where ready customers are available.
“Customers even come right here in the farm."
Without precising on the exact amount that is invested in her production and what she takes home at the end of the day, month or year, Tchinda Linda however says that she spends minimum of FCFA 50.000 to purchase seedlings, chemicals and working tools. After each harvest, the take home income is usually encouraging.
Presently studying Accountancy at the Catholic University Institute in the Diocese of Buea, she told Cameroon Tribune in her farm in Bonduma-Buea that the proceeds from her farm takes care of her academic activities hitch free and feeding too is greatly assured. Her wish is for the government of Cameroon to take measures for young farmers to secure loads from agricultural banks; and land made made available. Youths too should not shy away from the soil.
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Lire aussi : Maurice Kamto : «Les jeunes camerounais doivent rêver grand pour eux-mêmes, leur pays et l’Afrique»
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