Ouagadougou: The 2025-2026 dry season agricultural campaign in Burkina Faso has achieved notable success, with a 14.4% increase in vegetable production compared to the previous campaign. Vegetable production for this season is estimated at 1,469,371 tonnes, as communicated by the Minister of Agriculture during a presentation to the Council of Ministers.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Commander Isma«l Sombi©, Minister of State for Agriculture, highlighted the government’s strategic efforts that resulted in this increase. The campaign produced approximately 1,469,371 tonnes of vegetables, a significant rise from the 1,284,000 tonnes produced in the 2024-2025 campaign.
The communication detailed that cereal production, including maize, rice, and wheat, rose by 5% to reach 55,141 tonnes. Similarly, root and tuber production, focusing on potatoes and sweet potatoes, also saw a 5% increase, achieving 61,512 tonnes.
Commander Sombi© credited the improved performance to extensive support provided to producers. The government developed 472 high-flow and 129 market garden boreholes to ensure sufficient water supply. Additionally, 3,900 hectares of irrigated areas, including 643 hectares for market gardens, were cultivated nationwide.
Mechanization initiatives led to the plowing of 3,617 hectares beyond developed areas. Combined, these efforts expanded the total cultivated area to 91,307 hectares, marking a 16% increase from the previous season’s 78,700 hectares.
To further aid farmers, the government offered subsidized inputs, including 6,634 tons of NPK fertilizer, 3,714 tons of urea, and 377 tons of organic fertilizer. Farmers also received 1,525 tons of improved seeds at no cost.
The irrigation capacity was bolstered by providing drainage equipment, which included 195 solar-powered pumps, 7,731 PVC pipes, and 168 drip irrigation kits, all at subsidized prices.
Despite these advancements, the campaign encountered pest challenges. Inspectors identified 1,573 hectares affected by pests out of a 2,864-hectare survey. Treatment was administered to over 1,496 hectares using 1,221 liters and 80 kilograms of pesticides.
Mango orchards were not spared from infestations, with fruit flies affecting 14,807 hectares. Treatment was applied to 2,024 hectares using parapheromone traps and food baits.
The Council of Ministers acknowledged the accomplishments of the 2025-2026 dry season agricultural campaign and extended their congratulations to all involved in the agricultural sector for the impressive results.