Banzon: A guided tour organized by Joseph Ki-Zerbo University offered a first-hand look at the progress of rice cultivation in Banzon, showcasing 11 new rice varieties alongside two commonly used ones. The event provided producers, technicians, and partners an opportunity to exchange information and observe practices aimed at enhancing rice productivity.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Dr. Valentin Stanislas Traore, a research officer in genetics and plant improvement at INERA/CREAF in Kamboinsin, highlighted the collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that facilitated the development of these rice varieties. This initiative, led by Professor Bassole's team with over two decades of experience, focuses on addressing producer concerns related to yield, growth cycle, resilience to climate change, and rice quality.
The project initially started with the provision of research equipment. It later received fieldwork support from the National Fund for Research and Innovation for Development (FONRID), while Joseph Ki-Zerbo University contributed the expertise of Professor Bassole's laboratory. Burkinabe researchers, with active participation from producers, developed the 11 rice varieties.
Dr. Traore emphasized the role of nuclear science in food and nutrition, stating, "With our team, we work from producer to consumer. This is even impressive internationally." He also noted that the varieties carry local names to promote food sovereignty and reflect the rice's languages and qualities. These varieties, capable of being cultivated three times a year and maturing in just 100 days, pave the way for self-sufficiency.
Aboubakar Bamouni, representing the National Federation of Farmers and Biotech, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, noting that if these new varieties outperform imported ones, it would mark a significant advancement. Soumaila Sessouma, a senior agricultural technician who conducted trials in Bama plain and Banzon, revealed that eight varieties are approved, with three in the final phase.
Sessouma also acknowledged the challenges faced, including producer acceptance of certain techniques, and highlighted the progress achieved through the teams' determination. He stressed the importance of consumer appeal and mentioned planned taste tests to confirm quality. Furthermore, he advocated for multiplying these varieties for wider producer benefit.
Gongobie Soulama, head of the Banzon plain, detailed the preparation and monitoring steps for the experimental plots, noting producer interest and promising results. He proposed demonstration blocks of 50 to 100 hectares to showcase yields and encourage adoption, with some varieties capable of yielding up to 10 tonnes per hectare.
Salam Dianda, vice-president of the Banzon rice producers' cooperative, voiced satisfaction with the results, describing the new varieties as superior to previous ones. Gloria Kabre, a final-year rural development engineering student involved in field tests, underscored the importance of soil knowledge and nutrient balance.
Zenabou Kindo, treasurer of the rice parboilers' association, appreciated the quality of the varieties during tasting sessions. Among the 11 selected mutant lines are high-yielding, short-cycle, large-grain, high-resistant starch, low-amylose, and aromatic varieties. Eight of these were registered in June 2025.
This collaboration between researchers, producers, and universities positions Burkina Faso to potentially enhance national production, move towards self-sufficiency, and explore rice export opportunities. The 11 varieties include Vysou, Nahouri, M´djona, Laafia, Kokodjona, Koumaba, Keneya, Denkatcha, Bomba, Balokini, and Baimi, with eight approved in June 2025.