In a move hailed as a beacon of hope for Burkina Faso’s agricultural sector, President Captain Ibrahim Traoré officially inaugurated the Bobo-Dioulasso tomato processing plant on November 30, 2024. Stakeholders across the tomato industry,from farmers to market vendors,expressed overwhelming joy and optimism about the plant’s potential to transform their livelihoods.
Awa Sanou, president of the Association of Producers, Traders and Transporters of Fruit and Vegetables in Burkina Faso, articulated the widespread sentiment. “The opening of the factory will bring joy to everyone, starting with producers and traders,” she stated. Sanou highlighted the significant losses experienced during peak tomato seasons due to spoilage and low market prices. “We notice a lot of damage in the tomato season, whether in the fields or at the market among sellers due to poor sales. But now with the factory, it will be a bad memory,” she explained.
The new facility is seen not only as a solution to waste but also as a catalyst for economic growth and employment. “Also, thanks to the factory our children will have work, which will reduce unemployment,” Sanou added. She expressed a heartfelt wish for the proliferation of such factories across Burkina Faso, believing they hold the key to addressing various societal challenges.
Echoing Sanou’s sentiments, tomato sellers at the Bobo-Dioulasso fruit and vegetable market expressed relief and hope. Ramatou Traoré, a longtime vendor, shared her struggles with fluctuating sales and the resulting financial strain. “The opening of the factory makes me very happy because it will reduce our problems a little. Ther are times when we have bad sales but with the factory we could correct this situation. Indeed, poor sales cause serious problems such as rotting and to avoid this, we often have to give our goods on credit and our creditors rarely repay us,” she confided.
Fatimata Sanou, another tomato seller, emphasized the transformative impact of the factory. “The opening of the tomato processing factory makes us happy and we would first like to thank God and than the President of Faso for this great achievement,” she said.
While celebrating the factory’s arrival,Adama Sanou,President of the Kibiwordia cooperative,also highlighted the need for continued support for farmers. “As a producer I tell myself that this factory is welcome because we had serious problems with the sale of tomatoes. Because it is a perishable commodity, every time we produce, we have to sell [in a rush] because we cannot preserve it,” he explained. sanou appealed to the government to address challenges such as water scarcity and the high cost of quality inputs to ensure a steady supply of tomatoes for the factory.
“So that there is an abundance of tomatoes in every season, we recommend the government to subsidize drilling as we are facing a shortage of water at a certain time of the year, when the back water dries up.Also, we hope that the authorities will review the issue of input, especially in terms of price, quality but also quantity.In addition to our complaints, we would like to benefit from more guidance and practical advice for added value to our productions,” Sanou urged.
The Bobo-Dioulasso tomato processing plant stands as a symbol of progress and hope for Burkina Faso’s agricultural sector, promising to uplift farmers, create jobs, and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.
## A Fresh Start: Burkina Faso’s New Tomato Processing Plant Sparks Hope for farmers
**World Today News Exclusive Interview with Awa Sanou, President of the Association of Producers, Traders and Transporters of Fruit and Vegetables in Burkina Faso**
**World Today News:** The recent inauguration of the Bobo-Dioulasso tomato processing plant has generated excitement across Burkina Faso. What does this mean for the country’s agricultural sector, particularly for tomato farmers and traders?
**Awa Sanou:** This factory is nothing short of a game-changer for us. For years, we’ve faced immense challenges. During peak tomato season, spoilage and low market prices have led to significant losses for farmers and traders alike. It’s been a cycle of heartbreak and frustration.
This new plant offers a lifeline.It provides a reliable market for our produce, ensuring that farmers’ hard work doesn’t go to waste.The processing capacity means we can finally add value to our tomatoes, creating products that can reach wider markets and generate higher income.
**World Today News:** How will this plant specifically benefit tomato farmers?
**Awa Sanou:** Firstly, it guarantees a stable buyer for our tomatoes. Knowing that there’s a reliable market reduces the risk associated with farming, encouraging more farmers to cultivate tomatoes, leading to increased production.
Secondly, the plant will pay farmers a fair price for their produce. This will significantly improve their livelihoods and empower them economically.
**World Today news:** What about the impact on traders and vendors?
**awa Sanou:**
The plant will provide traders with new opportunities.
they can now purchase tomatoes at a fair price, process them into various products, and sell them in local and even regional markets. This diversification of products and markets will significantly boost their income potential.
**World Today News:** What are your expectations for the future of Burkina Faso’s tomato industry with this new plant in operation?
**Awa Sanou:**
We are optimistic.The Bobo-Dioulasso plant marks a turning point. We see a future where Burkina Faso becomes a major exporter of processed tomato products, creating jobs, boosting our economy, and achieving food security.
This plant is a symbol of hope. It shows that with investment and commitment, Burkina Faso can transform its agricultural sector and improve the lives of its people.
**World Today News:** Thank you, Ms. Sanou, for sharing your insights.
