Ouagadougou: In his end-of-year address to the nation, the President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traore, provided a promising update on the progress made in Burkina Faso's agriculture, livestock, and fish farming sectors. Highlighting the results driven by favorable rainfall and the concerted efforts of rural stakeholders, the President painted a picture of optimism for the country's future in food production.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the President expressed satisfaction that the objectives set for the Ministry of Agriculture had been met and, in certain sectors, even surpassed. This achievement has set Burkina Faso on a path to attain food self-sufficiency by 2025, a triumph attributed to the relentless endeavors of all those involved in the sector.
To ensure the sustainability of these gains, Captain Traore announced plans to continue enhancing agricultural efforts in 2026. This includes acquiring new machinery for plowing and harvesting, implementing free and subsidized plowing programs, and providing subsidies for agricultural inputs and high-quality seeds developed by national researchers.
The President also revealed that lands reclaimed through the efforts of the fighting forces will be developed at the start of the year. This development will enable resettled populations to farm in peace and boost production levels. He encouraged both small and large-scale agricultural transformation initiatives and invited new investors to capitalize on the sector's growth.
Addressing water issues, Captain Traore mentioned the establishment of the Dams and Development Authority (OMBA). This body aims to equip each village with water reservoirs to facilitate irrigated farming, allowing for multiple annual harvests and presenting opportunities for young farmers.
In livestock farming, the President highlighted the success of several vaccination campaigns, which have helped protect millions of poultry. In fish farming, the installation of floating cages on dams has proven successful, leading to increased fish production and reducing reliance on fish imports, especially pufferfish. The President expressed hopes that by 2026, Burkina Faso would reach fish self-sufficiency.
Lastly, Captain Traore emphasized the ongoing support for livestock farmers through forage crop development and the provision of quality feed, as part of the Faso-Golgo program. These initiatives aim to support not only food self-sufficiency but also the transformation of local raw materials for potential export.