Namentenga: The province of Namentenga faces an unusual increase in cereal prices, prompting Adama Conseiga, the high commissioner of the province, to call on traders to act with a sense of patriotism. As the region grapples with rising costs, Conseiga emphasizes the role of traders in mitigating the impact of terrorism by keeping cereal prices stable.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the price of essential cereals such as sorghum has surged from 750 FCFA per 3.5 kg dish at harvest to 1000 FCFA, reflecting a significant increase. This price rise is attributed to a shift in agricultural practices, with local farmers prioritizing crops like cowpea, sesame, and voandzou over traditional staples such as millet, corn, and sorghum, leading to insufficient grain stocks.
Addressing traders in Boulsa on December 29, 2024, Adama Conseiga highlighted the importance of maintaining fair pricing. He acknowledged the efforts of the agro-pastoral and fishing offensive program and the success of domestic animal vaccination campaigns. Additionally, he praised the prohibition of unauthorized cereal exports as a measure to stabilize local markets. Conseiga urged economic operators, including traders and transporters, to avoid selling harmful products, stressing that ethical business practices contribute to the fight against terrorism.
“If you carry out your activity with dignity, you participate in the fight against terrorism. If not, you participate alongside the terrorists,” he asserted, reinforcing the critical role of traders in the province’s economic and social stability.