GOURCY – In an effort to monitor agricultural activities during the 2023-2024 dry season, the High Commissioner of Zondoma province, Aboubacar Sidiki Nabé, conducted a visit to market garden producers in the commune of Gourcy on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. Accompanied by Marie Théodora Kyelem, the Provincial Director of Agriculture, Animal, and Fisheries Resources, Nabé’s tour began at the Kardega site, located a few kilometers east of Gourcy.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the delegation observed mature crops of cabbages, potatoes, and onions cultivated by the Pingdwendé structure. Nabé praised the efforts of the producers, comprised of men and women organized into cooperatives, for their contributions toward achieving food self-sufficiency. The visit then continued to Gangourgou, where they met with Jean Bosco Sawadogo, a sociology graduate turned farmer, who showcased his diverse farm of over three hectares.

Sawadogo, employing at least six permanent workers, presented his successful cultivation of papayas, onions, green beans, and watermelons, among other crops. Another stop included Issa Sawadogo’s farm, primarily focused on onion production over four hectares. He highlighted conservation as a key challenge, with plans to build a storage facility to address this issue.

The delegation was particularly impressed by Émile Savadogo’s fish farm in sector 3 of Gourcy, where the average annual production reaches three tonnes of fish. The High Commissioner commended the producers for their significant contributions to the local economy and provided advice to overcome obstacles such as water scarcity, high production costs, and distribution issues.

To support their efforts, each producer received two bags of fertilizer from the visiting officials. The visit underscored the importance of large diameter wells as a crucial water source for all the sites, highlighting the innovative solutions local farmers employ to navigate the challenges of dry season agriculture.