🌾 Burkina Faso Could Triple Rice Production: Pr Bassolé Unveils Promising Agricultural Breakthroughs

Ouagadougou, 28 nov. 2025 (AIB) –Burkina Faso holds the potential to transform its agricultural landscape and achieve unprecedented levels of food security, according to Pr Henri Nestor Bassolé, enseignant-chercheur à l’UFR/SVT et responsable de l’équipe « Aliments et Biomolécules » du laboratoire Labesta.

During a detailed presentation of his recent scientific advances, Pr Bassolé highlighted that Burkina Faso is capable of producing rice three times per year, with an exceptional yield of up to 12 tonnes per hectare—a performance far above the national average. This breakthrough, he explained, comes from years of research on the valorization of local agricultural products, particularly aliments négligés such as certain rice varieties and specific forest products that are often overlooked despite their high nutritional and economic value.

Pr Bassolé and his team at Labesta are developing innovative methods for improving crop productivity through better soil management, optimized cultivation practices, and the biochemical enhancement of local species. These innovations not only aim to boost yields but also contribute to reducing import dependency, strengthening local value chains, and promoting sustainable agricultural development.

For the researcher, the potential is enormous: with the right investments, improved irrigation, and support for local producers, Burkina Faso could significantly increase its rice production capacity and position itself as a key agricultural player in the subregion. His work also stresses the importance of revisiting lesser-known forest products—rich in nutrients and adaptable to climate constraints—which could become vital assets in the fight against food insecurity.

By shining a light on these underexploited resources, Pr Bassolé invites both policymakers and local communities to rethink agricultural strategies and seize the opportunity to build a more resilient, productive, and innovative food system in Burkina Faso.

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