Kongoussi – In a significant agricultural support initiative, 20 hectares of rice-growing lowlands were plowed free of charge in Kongoussi for individuals displaced by terrorism, the Ministry of Agriculture announced. This effort, part of a broader government campaign to assist resettled internally displaced persons (IDPs), aims to boost local food production and support the community’s recovery.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the Ministry of Agriculture, the free plowing initiative was executed by agricultural mechanization brigades. The beneficiaries, aside from receiving this service, were also provided with improved rice seeds and fertilizer, although the financial value of these supplies was not disclosed. The local authorities, including the Governor of the Center-South, Zoewendmanego Ouédraogo, have observed the project’s progress and effectiveness firsthand. Governor Ouédraogo commended the resilience of the resettled communities and emphasized the importance of adhering to the recommended agricultural practices to maximize crop yields.

The regional director of Agriculture, Serge Igor Birba, noted that the plowing efforts are set to continue to cover more areas and meet the needs of both IDPs and local farmers. He highlighted that while the initial target was to develop 840 hectares of land, the efforts have surpassed expectations with over 907 hectares already cultivated. This expansion is part of the government’s agropastoral and fisheries offensive, which involves deploying resources nationwide to help producers cultivate larger areas and address Burkina Faso’s chronic food shortages.

The IDPs involved in the project expressed their relief and eagerness to continue agricultural activities during the upcoming dry season, hopeful for sustained productivity and improved living conditions.