Burkina Faso PM makes unscheduled visit to Bama rice plain, champions food sovereignty
As Burkina Faso continues its march towards food sovereignty, Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo made an unscheduled stop on Wednesday at the Bama rice plain. A brief but highly symbolic visit, underscoring the strategic importance of agriculture in the national renewal project.
Following his trip to the Samandéni Agropole, the Head of Government wished to stop at this production site to encourage farmers and agricultural technicians.
Welcomed by provincial and regional officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, as well as cooperative members, he walked through part of the plain’s 1,260 developed hectares.
Discussions focused on crucial topics: the progress of the dry-season campaign, water management, production organization, and expected yields.
Regional Director Éric Pascal Adanabou presented an encouraging assessment. The plain is farmed by over 150 producers organised into cooperatives, which are equipped with processing units.
“We have received instructions to produce during all seasons, both dry season and rainy season. This is our third production of the year: first rice, then wheat, and again rice for this campaign,” he detailed.
With two varieties, TS2 and Orylux, 230 hectares are currently under rice cultivation, with a promising yield of six tonnes per hectare.
The Prime Minister proudly praised the resilience of the producers of Bama, whose daily labour directly contributes to supplying the national market.
He also congratulated the field agents of the Ministry for the tangible results achieved.
Before leaving, Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo urged extension officers to strengthen their proximity to producers, ensuring effective implementation of the Agricultural Offensive.
He reaffirmed that agriculture remains an essential front in the fight for the true independence of the country.
At Bama, the land does not complain; it produces. And behind every grain of rice lies a little more sovereignty that Burkina Faso patiently and tirelessly cultivates.
Olivier TOE
