Ouagadougou:The Ministry of Agriculture has unveiled an emergency plan of nearly 255 billion FCFA to bolster agricultural and livestock production during the 2026-2027 dry season. This initiative, developed under the directive of President Captain Ibrahim Traoré, includes constructing 750 boreholes at subsidized rates and developing 50,000 hectares of irrigated perimeters.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Oula Damien Ouattara, Director General of Faso Agrople, detailed the project's two main components at a press conference. The short-term component focuses on addressing immediate needs by utilizing available water resources, including plans for 750 boreholes with a minimum flow rate of 5 m3/hour per borehole and exploiting surface water points, lowlands, and irrigated perimeters to rapidly increase productive areas.
The long-term component aims to reduce agriculture's dependency on rainfall sustainably. This includes terracing approximately 62,500 hectares and developing 50,000 hectares by October 2027, leveraging the efforts of agricultural VDPs and national artisans.
The government's strategy involves utilizing state capabilities, including equipment from Faso Mbo, SONATER, ONBAH, and the Military Engineering Corps, for necessary drilling, earthmoving, and development tasks. If needed, private companies will supplement these resources. Moreover, the plan will mobilize 8,000 agricultural Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland and engage national artisans to produce essential hydromechanical and irrigation equipment.
The subsidized drilling program is accessible to individuals and legitimate producer organizations, requiring applicants to have at least two hectares of active cultivation land, verified land ownership, and a geophysical survey. The State will offer free drilling services, covering well development, PVC casing installation, pumping tests, and water analysis, contingent on successful results. Beneficiaries must provide geophysical prospecting and necessary pumping equipment, such as submersible pumps and solar installations.
Applications for the project open on October 9, 2026, with forms available from that date. Submissions will be accepted from October 12 to 18 until 1159 pm, with the beneficiary list published on October 22. Drilling operations are slated to commence on October 25, 2026.