K©n©dougou: The Minister of State, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Resources, Commander Isma«l Sombi©, officially initiated the flooding of the rehabilitated irrigated area of Banzon. This effort is aimed at boosting agricultural production as part of the Agro-Pastoral and Fisheries Offensive.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the rehabilitation was executed by the Ministry of Agriculture through the Agricultural Resilience and Competitiveness Project (PReCA) and covers an area of 608 hectares, including its extension. The event took place in the presence of the Governor of the Hauts-Bassins region, Mariama Gnanou/Konat©, and various rural stakeholders.
The irrigation system has been revamped with semi-automated intake and discharge valves for prompt action. The canals have been rehabilitated, and unused areas have been leveled to enhance water management. The 75-hectare extension is expected to yield an additional 393.5 tonnes of rice annually, at a rate of 6 tonnes per hectare.
PReCA coordinator Adama Siri emphasized that the rehabilitation is aligned with the national food sovereignty strategy and indicated the potential introduction of other strategic crops like wheat. Moumouni Kabr©, president of the Banzon rice cooperative, expressed gratitude to the authorities and President Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traor©, for facilitating the rehabilitation, committing to rigorous management of the area.
Minister of State Isma«l Sombi© highlighted the significance of these investments, urging producers to maximize output by cultivating three seasons a year. He announced that the National Society for Land Development and Rural Equipment (SONATER) will now collect taxes on irrigated areas to support ongoing rehabilitation efforts.
Commander Sombi© commended the company responsible for the rehabilitation work for its quality service and urged the population to maintain trust and gratitude towards the head of state. The ceremony concluded with a visit to the irrigated area, marking the end of the Minister’s visit to Banzon.