S©no: The governor of the Liptako region, Abdoul Karim Zongo, instructed the presidents of the special delegations (PDS) of the communes of Bani, Dori, Gorom-Gorom, Markoye, and Seytenga on Wednesday in Dori to include in their 2027 budgets the acquisition of three motorized cultivators per commune for the benefit of the agricultural Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP).
According to Burkina Information Agency, this directive was issued during the graduation ceremony of the first cohort of 125 agricultural VDPs, trained under the Presidential Initiative for Agricultural Production and Food Self-Sufficiency. Governor Zongo emphasized that this measure aims to enhance the production capacities of new agricultural entrepreneurs and inspire the youth of the region with this initial cohort's success.
He also revealed additional support measures to ensure the beneficiaries' success, including access to arable land, plowing of designated areas, provision of agricultural inputs, and training of two tractor drivers per municipality. Regional authorities believe these initiatives will equip young people with the necessary resources to effectively contribute to national food sovereignty.
Speaking on behalf of the 125 agricultural VDPs, Amadou Maga expressed their commitment to becoming exemplary producers and citizens dedicated to Burkina Faso's development. He highlighted the beneficiaries' intention to collaborate with other agricultural entrepreneurs nationwide, aiming to build a robust network of producers to achieve food self-sufficiency.
"Our fight is about production, our battlefield is the fertile land of Burkina Faso, and our victory will be food self-sufficiency," he stated. Maga also extended gratitude to President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traor©, regional authorities, and trainers for their support.
Battalion Chief Amadou Sanou, commander of the 4th military region, commended the young people's decision to engage in agricultural production as a service to the Nation. He noted their choice of agricultural tools as symbols of development, reflecting their patriotism and commitment to Burkina Faso's economic transformation.
Ali Bocoum, special envoy to the Presidency of Faso for Liptako and Soum and coordinator of the Presidential Initiative, praised the realization of this initiative in the region. He acknowledged initial challenges in implementing the program but credited the regional administrative authorities' determination for overcoming these obstacles and achieving promising results. Bocoum reaffirmed the program officials' commitment to providing ongoing support to young agricultural producers.
The graduation of this first cohort of 125 agricultural VDPs signifies a pivotal step in implementing the Presidential Initiative for agricultural production and food self-sufficiency in Liptako and Soum.