Côte d’Ivoire is stepping up efforts to strengthen domestic rice production as the government seeks to improve food security and support agricultural development across the country.

Agriculture Minister Bruno Nabagné Koné visited a rice production site in Duékoué on Saturday, July 25, where he praised the commitment of local farmers and encouraged them to continue expanding the sector’s performance.

Located within the Lycée de Duékoué development area, the 80-hectare rice perimeter is considered a key example of public investment aimed at increasing local production capacity. The site was initially developed in 2016 under the Emergency Program for the Rehabilitation and Revival of Rice Production Activities in the Guémon region (PURRAR-TGC), led by the Rice Development Agency (ADERIZ), before being rehabilitated in 2022 through the Emergency Agricultural Sector Program (PURGA 2).

Managed by the Kounadia simplified cooperative of Duékoué, the site currently brings together 101 farmers, including seven women. The producers carry out two production cycles per year, with an estimated output of 640 tonnes of paddy rice.

During his visit, Minister Bruno Nabagné Koné reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increasing investment in agriculture and improving support for farmers.

“The future of our agriculture depends on better-supported, better-equipped and more valued producers,” he said, highlighting the importance of building a more competitive and sustainable agricultural sector.

The government’s focus on rice production comes as Côte d’Ivoire continues efforts to reduce dependence on imports, strengthen local supply chains and develop agriculture as a key driver of economic growth.