BUJUMBURA, Burundi ( The Burundian government has set the official price for maize at 1,700 Burundian francs (Fbu) per kilogram for the current production cycle, Minister of Environment, Agriculture, and Livestock Prosper Dodiko announced Tuesday during a press briefing. The move aims to stabilize market conditions and encourage farmers to continue their agricultural activities.
Dodiko called on private buyers to adhere to the fixed price, emphasizing that the government is committed to purchasing any surplus should private sector actors fail to comply. He also urged farmers to ensure proper post-harvest handling, including thorough drying, sorting, and appropriate storage, to maintain quality while awaiting sale.
Government Efforts to Support Agriculture
The price announcement aligns with broader government efforts to boost the agricultural sector, which plays a crucial role in Burundi’s economy. The sector employs a significant portion of the population and is a primary source of food security and income for many rural communities.
Dodiko also highlighted the government’s focus on export-oriented crops such as cotton, tea, and coffee. He announced that the prices for these commodities would be revised upward soon, reflecting efforts to secure more profitable markets.
Additionally, he reassured farmers that the government is expediting the distribution of fertilizers across the country to support the ongoing growing season. With multiple shipments being unloaded, he expressed confidence that delivery rates would improve in the coming weeks.
State Subsidies and Market Regulation
The Burundian government has placed agriculture at the forefront of its policy agenda, providing substantial subsidies to support farmers. Currently, fertilizers are subsidized at 64.8%, soil amendments at 78.13%, and seeds at 51.1%, according to Dodiko. These measures align with President Évariste Ndayishimiye’s national goal to ensure food security and economic stability, summarized by his slogan: “Every mouth must have food, and every pocket must have money.”
Dodiko stressed that, given the government’s substantial investment in agricultural production, speculative market practices would not be tolerated. The state’s involvement in pricing and surplus purchases aims to protect both farmers and consumers from price volatility.
