BANWA PROVINCE: Didier Macaire Coulibaly, known locally as Mako, has made significant strides in agricultural production this year, harvesting 18 tons of cotton and more than 400 bags of corn weighing 100 kilograms each. Recognized as a leading producer in Banwa Province, Mako was honored with a decoration on December 11 in D©dougou for his contributions to agriculture.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Mako diversified his agricultural activities over an area of 30 hectares, cultivating various crops including corn, cotton, sorghum, soybeans, and other cash crops. Despite challenging conditions such as floods, he managed to achieve a substantial yield. Mako expressed optimism about further improving his output if infrastructural developments were made in the lowlands and if access to affordable fertilizer was increased.
Mako highlighted the financial challenges he faces, including spending 1.5 million francs annually on fertilizers, which he purchases from retailers due to limited availability from agricultural services. He anticipates earning a profit of 2 million francs from cotton sales and 4 million francs from corn, though expenses such as labor, tractor repairs, and family needs consume much of his income.
The agriculture department’s recognition of Mako’s efforts culminated in a formal decoration ceremony on December 11 in D©dougou. This accolade has motivated him to aim for even higher production levels, with aspirations of reaching 1,000 bags of corn annually and expanding his cultivation to include significant portions of onions and rice.