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In Burkina Faso’s current 2024 agricultural season, localized drought has had a serious impact on many crops. Several regions have been affected, some crops have even completely withered, others have been severely affected. Is there any way to catch up with what has not dried up? What actions should farmers take to avoid returning empty-handed this agricultural season? Young agronomist Cherifa Zerbo answers these questions in an interview with the online newspaper Lefaso.net. Read instead!
Lefaso.net: Results from the current agricultural season show that growing areas have been devastated by drought. In some areas, crops have dried up. But for those that have not dried up, is there any way to make them ripen?
Cherifa Zerbo (CZ): Yes, there are techniques that can be used to compensate for drought in these areas. These techniques include optimizing irrigation and mulching, among others. Optimizing irrigation (for those who have a borehole or reservoir nearby): ensuring that crops receive enough water through irrigation techniques such as drip irrigation, which minimizes evaporation and targets the roots directly.
When it comes to mulching, it helps retain soil moisture and lowers soil temperature. In fact, organic mulches like straw or wood chips can also improve soil structure.
Lefaso.net: What actions should farmers take to avoid the campaign going away empty-handed?
CZ: Well, it must be said that there are no pre-made recipes for all regions. The techniques are given according to the region and the crop. But in any case, they must adopt strategic behaviors, such as adapting cultural practices. This amounts to adjusting agricultural practices according to current climatic conditions. In other words, this involves changing sowing dates, optimizing irrigation techniques, and choosing crop varieties that are adapted to high temperatures.
Optimizing water resources: This involves setting up water-saving systems to cope with droughts and using irrigation techniques such as drip irrigation.
Crop diversification means varying crops to reduce the risk of total loss. By growing a variety of plants, farmers can minimize the impact of a poor harvest on their overall production.
Lefaso.net: How should these crops be managed to promote their continued growth?
CZ: As I explained above, there is irrigation management (for those who have a borehole or reservoir nearby). In fact, it is necessary to ensure that irrigation management is good and adequate water is provided regularly to avoid water stress. Soil care: Soil quality must be maintained by adding organic amendments and maintaining its structure to improve water retention.
In terms of variety selection, crop varieties that are adapted to heat and resistant to drought should be selected. Monitoring and maintenance: Regular monitoring is necessary to detect signs of stress or disease and intervene quickly to maintain the health of the plants.
Yvette Zongo interviewed
Lefaso.com
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