Ouagadougou:The Burkinabe Atomic Energy Agency (ABEA), in collaboration with the Institute of Health Sciences Research (IRSS), recently organized a public conference to explore the potential of nuclear technologies in enhancing agricultural productivity in Burkina Faso. The event, themed "Nuclear technologies at the service of productive and resilient agriculture in Burkina Faso," aimed to facilitate discussions and knowledge sharing on how nuclear innovations can address the agricultural challenges faced by the country.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the Director General of ABEA, Harouna Sawadogo, emphasized the significance of nuclear and isotopic techniques in his opening remarks, highlighting their role in improving agricultural performance. Sawadogo noted that these technologies allow for a better understanding of soil composition, efficient management of water and fertilizers, and the selection of crop varieties that are well-suited to local climatic conditions.
Sawadogo also pointed out that nuclear technologies offer environmentally friendly solutions for pest control and contribute to crop preservation and quality assurance. The conference served as a platform to increase public awareness about these technologies and their capacity to support sustainable and resilient agricultural practices.
Ismaël Henry Bassolé, a teacher at Joseph-Ki-Zerbo University, contributed to the discussion by presenting two strategies for achieving food sovereignty in Burkina Faso. He suggested that national yields could be significantly increased, potentially enabling the country to export agricultural products. Additionally, Bassolé discussed the development of rice varieties tailored to various dietary needs, such as those for diabetics and athletes.
Bassolé addressed public concerns by explaining that the technique involves genetic alterations in seeds through energy exposure, likening it to medical X-rays, and reassured attendees about the safety of the process. He mentioned that countries like China, Vietnam, Pakistan, and India are already utilizing these technologies, from which Burkina Faso imports rice.
The conference included three expert presentations on topics such as seed quality improvement, pest management, and the nuclear power program. Through this initiative, ABEA and IRSS aim to promote the peaceful applications of nuclear technologies in agriculture, contributing to food sovereignty and agricultural development in Burkina Faso.