Gourma: The Governor of the Goulmou region, Ram Joseph Kafando, conducted a monitoring visit to assess the progress of the 2025-2026 wet agricultural campaign at two operational sites in Untandeni and Zanre. During the visit, he expressed satisfaction with the efforts of both the producers and the technical services responsible for agriculture and livestock.
According to Burkina Information Agency, this visit was part of the broader monitoring of the “Agropastoral and Fisheries Offensive 2023-2025”, an initiative aimed at achieving food sovereignty in Burkina Faso. The Goulmou region’s targets for the 2025-2026 campaign include the production of 724,618 tonnes of cereals, 196,840 tonnes of cash crops, around 56,000 tonnes of food crops, 39,000 tonnes of market garden produce, and over 10,000 tonnes of fodder crops.
Governor Kafando noted that producers received significant state support, including agricultural inputs, improved seeds, and technical assistance. Additional support included free, subsidized ploughing and the drilling of high-capacity boreholes to aid in achieving these targets. He emphasized the importance of witnessing the campaign’s progress firsthand.
On the ground, Governor Kafando observed the readiness of agricultural technicians to assist farmers, a move that was appreciated by the agricultural community. He also noted the maturity of rice crops in the visited areas, indicating the successful assimilation of cultivation techniques.
Bassirou Mande, the regional director of agriculture in Goulmou, projected an expected yield of 724,618 tonnes of cereals for the region this season. Mande expressed optimism about achieving the desired results, provided that the rains continue until mid-October. He highlighted the state’s role in supporting the campaign through the provision of fertilizers, conducting nearly 2,000 hectares of ploughing with 19 tractors and 10 cultivators, and developing approximately 340 hectares of lowlands.
Salifou Idani, representing the farmers of Untandeni, reported that 272 producers, including a significant number of women, internally displaced persons, and young people, are working on an 11-hectare rice farm. They anticipate harvesting 38.5 tonnes by the end of the harvest. Idani expressed gratitude for the authorities’ support and requested further assistance for off-season cultivation.
Governor Kafando encouraged the producers to maintain their efforts in contributing to the region’s and the country’s food self-sufficiency.