Burkina Faso to Harvest 4.2 Million Tons of Cereals This Year

Burkina Faso anticipates harvesting almost 4,231,479 tons of cereals this year, representing a 13 percent growth rate compared to last year, Agriculture, Hydraulics and halieutics resources ministry officials said.

The ministry announced it would give producers 4,000 tons of improved seeds, 458,544 tons of fertilizer, 20 million tons of organic manure, 1,750 tons of phosphate, in addition to the continuation of the agricultural equipment efforts so as to achieve these goals.

Within the framework of hydro-agricultural facilities, apart from the fitting-out of 2,082 ha slums and 7,000 ha area, 21 dams will be built and 45 others rehabilitated, with the construction of 1,600 modern water points, 50 simplified water conveyance networks and 12,500 latrines including 11.500 family latrines for the 2008/09 marketing year.

The forecast for cotton is 621,605 tons against 320,000 tons last year.

Last season had been marked by the rise in the prices of inputs due to the rise of the prices of the raw materials used in their manufacture, from the oil price hike to the introduction of an 18% Value-added tax (VAT) on their import.

To avoid bankruptcy, Sofitex (Company of fiber textile) had to reduce its expenses and increase its capital from CFA 4.4 billion CFA to 38.8 billion.

Besides, the cotton 2008/09 campaign kicks off under favorable auspices, while the cotton companies started sensitization meetings with the cotton producers in order to encourage them to produce more.

The rise of the purchase prices of cotton and the construction of a shelling factory in Leo, were among the good news announced by the cotton companies.

An end of crisis strategy for the cotton industry is currently implemented and aims at improving the payment mechanism of VAT credit facilities to the cotton companies, the most advantageous use of the Cote d’Ivoire corridor to export the fiber, the ongoing recapitalization of two other companies, Faso cotton and Socoma, etc.

The white gold is the first export product of the country with a sales turnover of about CFA 225 billion. It contributes 35% of the gross domestic product (GDP) and provides nearly 60% of the state revenues.

Source African Press Agency

Net News Publisher