Bururi : farmers demand essential agricultural inputs

Farmers from the districts of Mugamba, Matana and Songa, in the province of Bururi (southern Burundi), denounce a delay in the distribution of urea, intended for their corn fields. Although they paid the fees in advance, the promised delivery was not made, which arouses anger and concern among these farmers. The Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Livestock (DPAE) of Bururi affirms that the urea will be distributed as soon as its stocks are replenished. However, this promise struggles to reassure farmers, for whom corn is an essential staple food. INFO SOS Médias Burundi

Farmers who spoke to SOS Médias Burundi talk about inequality in the distribution of fertilizers.

They blame the DPAE for selling agricultural inputs to wealthy people, who in turn resell them at exorbitant prices on the market.

“We are forced to get our supplies from the market, where a kilogram of urea costs 2,500 francs, while this fertilizer is always lacking in the DPAE warehouses,” laments a resident of the Songa zone. This situation is causing difficulties for many farmers, whose limited financial means do not allow them to obtain urea at such high prices.

The threat of a famine

In the district of Bururi, some residents fear an imminent famine if no solution is found quickly. They call on the authorities responsible for agriculture to intervene to resolve this shortage and guarantee an equitable distribution of urea.

A recurring situation

According to sources close to the DPAE, farmers who have not yet received their agricultural inputs will be able to recover them as soon as stocks are replenished. However, farmers point out that this is the second time such an incident has occurred, reinforcing their sense of mistrust and frustration.

Faced with this critical situation, farmers in the affected districts are urging the authorities to take urgent measures to guarantee access to agricultural inputs, which are essential to preserve corn harvests and avoid a possible food crisis.