Burkina Faso/Food sovereignty: Producers are already rubbing their hands thanks to initiatives by the authorities
In alignment with the government’s drive for food self-sufficiency, Burkinabè farmers are already feeling optimistic as the 2024-2025 harvest season begins. Numerous hectares of cereal crops have been cultivated, bolstered by technical support from national authorities aimed at maximizing yields.
Just last weekend, the Minister of Agriculture, Commander Ismaël Sombié, launched the rice harvest in the Hauts Bassins region, specifically in the Nieguema area of Bama commune, where the Volunteers for the Defense of the Fatherland (VDP) have cultivated 20 hectares for their own food supply.
The VDP’s involvement in agriculture is in addition to their primary mission of ensuring the security of the commune.
Similarly, residents of Bittou in the Center-East region, organized into an association, are celebrating the success of their cereal harvest.
This year, with government assistance through the « free plowing » initiative for large farmland areas, the association managed to harvest from 9 hectares.
Their yield is intended to support Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), a goal that reflects the association’s commitment to community well-being.
Agriculture Minister Sombié highlighted that these promising results are a testament to President Ibrahim Traoré’s vision, placing the goal of food sovereignty alongside the fight against terrorism.
He emphasized that the progress thus far shows Burkina Faso is on the right track toward achieving self-sufficiency.
The President has implemented several key measures to advance food sovereignty, including the provision of farming inputs and equipment and a new policy of free plowing services for farmers in cooperatives.
According to public sentiment, these efforts underscore the authorities’ commitment to achieving food self-sufficiency by 2025.
Olivier TOE
