Ouagadougou: Retired agricultural researcher Dr. Jacob Sanou expressed profound satisfaction at witnessing the President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traor©, in a wheat field, seeing it as a significant milestone for the expansion and sustainability of this vital crop in Burkina Faso.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Dr. Sanou, in an interview with the monthly Carrefour Africain, revealed his relief and joy upon seeing the fruition of his lifelong work dedicated to wheat cultivation. The interview, conducted on July 15 and published online recently, highlighted his commitment to achieving food self-sufficiency through agricultural research over nearly four decades.

Dr. Sanou, a renowned agronomy expert and breeder of various cereal and fruit plant varieties, emphasized the importance of wheat to Burkinabe diets, countering the misconception that it is not widely consumed. "The most consumed food by Burkinabe is bread," he argued, illustrating the centrality of wheat in local culture and cuisine.

Currently serving as the rector of Aube Nouvelle University in Bobo-Dioulasso, Dr. Sanou recounted the initial resistance he faced in his wheat research endeavors. However, he noted a shift in momentum due to increased political support. The Ministry of Agriculture's backing was a pivotal moment in his research journey, providing him with the confidence that wheat could thrive in Burkina Faso.

Dr. Sanou remains optimistic about the future of wheat in the country, asserting that recent developments have paved the way for a promising agricultural landscape.