A new milestone has been recorded in Burkina Faso’s agricultural ambitions as officials and agricultural stakeholders carried out a plantain harvest in Bobo-Dioulasso on February 21, 2026.
The activity was led by the technical coordinator of the presidential initiative for agricultural production and food self-sufficiency alongside leaders of NAFASO. The harvest forms part of ongoing efforts to transform farming practices and expand crop production in line with the country’s national development vision.
On the experimental site operated by NAFASO, dozens of plantain trees have grown successfully, with several already producing mature bunches ready for harvest.
According to Inoussa Ouédraogo, the harvest reflects the broader vision of Burkina Faso’s leader, Ibrahim Traoré, to rethink agricultural production and boost both food security and cash crops.
He explained that the initiative aims to encourage the cultivation of crops that were once considered difficult or impossible to grow in the country, including plantain, coffee and cocoa.
Ouédraogo noted that the current harvest marks the fifth successful plantain harvest in the region since the programme began. Since May 2025, the crops have continued to grow well despite challenging environmental conditions.
Based on the results observed on the experimental farmland, he believes plantain cultivation could expand across many parts of Burkina Faso.
The Chief Executive Officer of NAFASO, Abdoulaye Sawadogo, explained that the trial plantation was carried out on sandy soil using organic manure.
He said the strong growth of the plants shows that they have adapted well to the environment and received proper nutrients.
Sawadogo also revealed that the variety being cultivated is a tall plantain species known for producing large and abundant bunches.
As part of the presidential initiative, about 150,000 plantain seedlings have already been distributed to farmers since 2025 to support local production.
The programme aims to help farmers increase yields, strengthen domestic food supply and open new economic opportunities. Sawadogo encouraged more farmers to consider entering plantain farming, stressing that the crop adapts well to Burkina Faso’s climate and offers strong financial potential.
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