Samendeni: The Minister of Agriculture and Animal and Fisheries Resources, Commander Isma«l Sombi©, has inaugurated the construction of a new veterinary drug production plant in Samendeni, located in the province of Houet, within the Hauts-Bassins region. The plant represents a significant investment of 21 billion CFA francs, with the goal of achieving the country's self-sufficiency in the importation of veterinary products.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the Director General of Veterinary Resources at the Ministry, Captain Aboubacar Nacro, highlighted the importance of the new infrastructure for the agricultural sector. He expressed that the facility will serve as a crucial support for local farmers, providing them with essential resources. The plant is set to produce 110 billion tons of vaccine doses annually, along with producing antibiotics and vitamins that meet both national and international standards. These products will be offered at affordable prices and utilized in various vaccination campaigns, helping to mitigate potential shortages.

Captain Nacro also noted that the establishment of the plant is expected to result in significant economic savings for Burkina Faso, nearly 10 billion CFA francs annually, which were previously spent on acquiring and importing veterinary medicines. The plant's construction, estimated at a cost of 21 billion CFA francs, is projected to create 600 direct and indirect employment opportunities. The facility's first vaccine doses are anticipated to be ready in 18 months.

Spanning across 40 hectares, the plant will feature state-of-the-art production and quality control laboratories, cold storage rooms, a pet shop, a veterinary clinic, a dispensary, a waste treatment system, and additional facilities. This project aligns with the 2023-2025 agro-pastoral and fisheries initiative led by the President of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traor©.