Ouagadougou: The Minister of State, Minister in charge of Agriculture, Ismael Sombie, inaugurated an ultra-modern National Plant Gene Bank (BNGP) in Ouagadougou capable of preserving cereal seeds for 40 years. This cutting-edge facility marks a significant advancement for the nation's agricultural sector.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Dr. Soulama Ouattara, Permanent Secretary of the National Commission for the Management of Plant Genetic Resources of Burkina Faso, detailed the comprehensive structure of the seed bank. It includes a seed processing unit, a variety conditioning unit, drying rooms, and cold storage facilities, all designed to maintain seed varieties over an extended period.

The facility, which adheres to international standards, was entirely financed by the state and constructed within Thomas Sankara University. It aims to optimize the preservation of cereal seeds and is a testament to the government's commitment to agricultural innovation.

Professor Adjima Thiombiano, the Minister of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation, emphasized that this infrastructure supports the vision of President Ibrahim Traore. The President seeks to equip the research community with high-quality facilities that address current agricultural demands. The gene bank, unique in the sub-region, is expected to benefit not only Burkina Faso but also the wider African and international agricultural communities by providing access to quality seeds and fostering sustainable seed production.

Professor Thiombiano urged stakeholders to leverage this resource as a strategic tool for achieving food self-sufficiency. He also called on the research community to reclaim plant genetic resources currently held outside the country, highlighting Burkina Faso's capacity to manage its own gene bank in line with international standards.