Namentenga: The Regional Director of Agriculture and Fisheries Resources of the Center-North, Rayimsom Birba, visited the rice-growing lowland of Goungha, a key site in the rice value chain established under the "Rilgr©" project. This initiative aims to promote agroecological practices and enhance agricultural production, implemented by the Solidar Suisse-ABNA consortium with financial backing from Enabel.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the visit provided the director with an opportunity to assess the development work carried out by the Rilgrproject and observe preparations for the wet season. Birba expressed optimism, noting that conditions are favorable for significantly increasing yields compared to the previous campaign. Within the 5-hectare perimeter, infrastructures such as rubble dikes and reservoirs have been constructed to improve water management.
Alassane Sawadogo, president of the Namalguezanga cooperative in Goungha, highlighted that 40 farmers, including 22 women, cultivate the lowland, producing the Orylux 6 rice variety developed through Burkinabe research. The cooperative also produces Bokashi organic fertilizer on site, enriching the soil with project support.
As an expert, Birba recommended increasing the number of crates and dikes to enhance water infiltration. He urged the government to boost yields from the initial 1.3 tonnes per hectare to meet the target of 7 million tonnes of rice in the North-Central region this year.
The delegation also visited the Beo N¨rcooperative, which converts rice husks and bran into Bokashi fertilizer. Tons of organic fertilizer are stored there, awaiting buyers, with a 50-kg bag priced at 5,000 CFA francs.
Meeting Safiata Sawadogo, president of the Wendpanga rice processing cooperative, Birba learned about the challenge posed by the lack of a sorting machine. The Rilgrproject plans to support the cooperative in acquiring this equipment.
At the conclusion of the visit, Birba advocated for creating cooperative unions for each segment of the value chain: fertilizer producers, rice producers, and processors. These unions could secure contracts for delivering rice or fertilizers.
Acknowledging the mission's success, Birba commended the commitment of operators, field agents, project staff, and the Wendkouni Association. He thanked the Rilgrproject for its contributions and encouraged producers to adhere to agricultural agents' guidance as the wet season begins. "Happy wet season to all!" he wished the people of Namentenga.