Boudry: The Societe des Mines de Sanbrado (SOMISA) organized a guided tour of corn and rice fields in Mankarga Peulh and Sanbrado, in the commune of Boudry. The objective was to share the results of the project “An impacted household, with 0.25 hectares of rice produced” and the implementation of agricultural extension tools with model producers.

According to Burkina Information Agency, on Tuesday morning, local authorities, agricultural technicians, producers, and representatives of SOMISA observed the effects of the project on households affected by the mine. In Mankarga Peulh, Mr. Sonde Alou’s corn field, planted with the hybrid variety “Komsaya,” showed promising results, yielding 7 to 9 tons per hectare with proper manure and cultivation techniques.

In Sanbrado, the rice fields of Boukare Tiemtore and Saidou Kologo, both at the ripening stage, demonstrated the effectiveness of the TS2 rice variety, yielding between 6 to 7 tons per hectare. These fields are part of a project involving around fifty plots, aiming to assist 41 affected households by developing 20 hectares of lowland areas.

The project’s total cost of 10.58 million CFA francs has provided support such as plowing, seeds, fertilizers, and technical monitoring. Approximately 120 tons of rice are expected from this initiative. Sansan Hugues Kambire, senior coordinator of SOMISA’s livelihood restoration program, emphasized the project’s role in strengthening food security in the affected villages.

Beneficiary Saidou Kologo expressed his initial doubts about rice production in the highlands but now feels convinced of its feasibility. He thanked SOMISA and the technical services for their support. Ms. Aminata Compaore/Ilboudo, head of the Boudry agricultural technical support zone, highlighted the success of the experiments and the potential for rice production beyond lowland areas.

The town hall secretary general, Soutongnoma Aristide Yameogo, representing the president of the Boudry special municipal delegation, praised the initiative as part of the government’s agricultural offensive. He encouraged farmers to seek technical support and remain determined.

SOMISA has also invested 1.28 million FCFA in agricultural extension tools for eight model producers, focusing on demonstration plots for maize, cowpea, and sorghum. This initiative aims to disseminate good agricultural practices to 178 affected farmers. In total, SOMISA has invested 11.86 million FCFA to enhance agricultural production and food security in the Boudry area.