Gabon's Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Rural Development, Pacôme Kossy, recently visited the village of Belleville in the Woleu-Ntem province to discuss ways to support local pineapple producers. The visit aimed to assess the current state of pineapple production in the area and explore opportunities for growth and development. Belleville is known for its high-quality pineapples, and the minister expressed his desire to learn more about the production process and identify areas where the government can provide assistance.
During his visit, Minister Kossy emphasized the importance of local production and consumption in Gabon. He stated that the government's goal is to have all food consumed in Gabon produced locally within the next two to three years. Pineapple production is a key part of this strategy, and the minister announced plans to better organize producers and help them expand their market reach beyond Belleville. This initiative aims to increase the availability of locally produced pineapples in other regions of the country.
Minister Kossy took a pragmatic approach during his visit, assuring the local population that he would work based on the realities on the ground. He promised to examine the cooperative's requests and work together to find solutions. The minister also announced the allocation of a second tractor, along with plowing equipment, to support the producers. This equipment will complement the existing resources provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and the First Lady, Zita Oligui Nguema.
The cooperative, which was established in the 1970s, currently has 57 members and operates on over 200 hectares of land. The density of pineapple plants is approximately 60,000 per hectare, with a spacing of 20-25 centimeters between plants. This results in an estimated yield of nearly 75 tons per hectare. The cooperative's president, Dr. Daniel Obame Ondo, expressed his satisfaction with the minister's visit, highlighting the historical significance of the event.
Dr. Obame Ondo also praised the minister's commitment to supporting the cooperative, including the provision of a second tractor and financial assistance. The cooperative faces several challenges, including transportation, conservation, and marketing issues that affect the delivery of their produce to other regions, particularly Libreville. The minister's visit and promises of support have raised hopes for improved production and distribution.
The Gabonese government has been working to boost agricultural production and promote local consumption. The pineapple sector is a key area of focus, with Belleville being one of the main production centers. The government's support for local producers is expected to have a positive impact on the economy and food security in the region. The minister's visit to Belleville demonstrates the government's commitment to engaging with local communities and addressing their needs.
The visit by Minister Kossy has been welcomed by the local community, who are optimistic about the prospects for improved production and economic growth. The allocation of additional resources and support is expected to enhance the cooperative's capacity to produce high-quality pineapples and expand its market reach. The government's efforts to promote local production and consumption are likely to have a lasting impact on Gabon's agricultural sector.
Key points
- The Gabonese government has pledged to support pineapple producers in Belleville with additional resources and equipment.
- The government's goal is to have all food consumed in Gabon produced locally within the next two to three years.
- The visit by Minister Kossy aims to boost pineapple production and promote local consumption in Gabon.
