The Seed Fair in Burkina Faso aims to raise awareness on the importance of improved seeds

The Minister in charge of Scientific Research, Alkassoum Maïga, graced the official opening of the 11th edition of the Seed Fair on Thursday, June 4th, 2020 at the Institute of Environment and Agricultural Research (INERA), in Ouagadougou.

Running with the theme “Contribution of improved seeds to food security in the context of security and health crises,” this 11th edition is being held from June 4th to 7th, 2020. The objective of this fair is to encourage producers to use more seeds of improved varieties, for a sustainable intensification of agricultural production in Burkina Faso.

The economy of Burkina Faso relies on the agricultural sector

Burkina Faso, whose economy is based on the rural sector, is being badly shaken by the ongoing security and health crises. Agriculture, which employs more than 80% of the population is facing significant production difficulties. Also, with climate change, rainfall is becoming less and less abundant, increasing the challenges faced by farmers.

Faced with all these hazards, the Ministry of Scientific Research, through the Institute of Environment and Agricultural Research (INERA), organized the 11th edition of the Seed Fair. The objective of this fair is to promote seeds of improved plant varieties for a sustainable intensification of agricultural production in Burkina Faso.

Thus, from June 4th to 7th, 2020, the actors of the agricultural world will be able to get a window into the current state of seed creation and production in Burkina Faso.

Several activities are on the program of this fair

These efforts include information and awareness raising activities, capacity building of actors and the sale of seeds and plants produced by INERA. “The use of improved seeds associated with good practices will help increase agricultural productivity,” said INERA’s  Director Dr. Amidou Traoré.

Thus, through this fair, INERA intends to raise awareness among agricultural stakeholders of the contribution of improved seeds to increasing production and generating income for producers. This fair will be an opportunity for actors to strengthen their technical capacities in the field.

INERA will exhibit seed samples of improved varieties, accompanied by technical data sheets

Actors will be able to pose their concerns to identify the characteristics of the varieties as well as notions related to seed quality. The sales activities mainly concern plants and seeds produced by INERA’s regional directorates and their partners.

The annual organization of this fair is part of the agreement signed between the Department of Scientific Research and the Department of Agriculture. This collaboration consists in bringing seeds of quality varieties to reduce the decline in agricultural production. The Minister in charge of Agriculture, Salifou Ouédraogo, took this opportunity to encourage INERA which is fighting to ensure the production and supply of seeds.

“Support efforts will continue through capacity building in scientific infrastructure and equipment, to enable INERA to respond effectively to demand,” said the Minister of Scientific Research, Alkassoum Maïga.

INERA has approximately 507 staff members, including 284 researchers, thirteen of whom are research associates, 53 research masters, 86 research officers, 33 research associates and 99 research engineers. There are also about 30 senior researchers on secondment or on availability. It has eight research stations and antennas established over a total area of more than 5,500 hectares as well as research sites scattered throughout the national territory.

__

(Featured image by LorettaLynn via Pixabay)

DISCLAIMER: This article was written by a third party contributor and does not reflect the opinion of Born2Invest, its management, staff or its associates. Please review our disclaimer for more information.

This article may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “become,” “plan,” “will,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks as well as uncertainties, including those discussed in the following cautionary statements and elsewhere in this article and on this site. Although the Company may believe that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, the actual results that the Company may achieve may differ materially from any forward-looking statements, which reflect the opinions of the management of the Company only as of the date hereof. Additionally, please make sure to read these important disclosures.

First published in lefaso.net, a third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

Although we made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translations, some parts may be incorrect. Born2Invest assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions or ambiguities in the translations provided on this website. Any person or entity relying on translated content does so at their own risk. Born2Invest is not responsible for losses caused by such reliance on the accuracy or reliability of translated information. If you wish to report an error or inaccuracy in the translation, we encourage you to contact us.