Libreville, Gabon — April 25, 2026 Libreville, Gabon – In a significant development for Gabon’s agricultural sector, the Institut de recherches agronomiques et forestieres (IRAF) and the Programme national de sélection et d’amélioration variétale et production de semences (PNSAV-PS) have called on the Ministry of Agriculture for support in bolstering cooperative agricultural activities.
The Agence gabonaise de presse reported that the research initiatives have led to the development and homologation of three rice varieties, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s rice farming capabilities. Dr. Yonnelle Déa Moukoumbi, the responsible figure at PNSAV-PS, emphasized the need for the ministry’s active involvement to ensure that the new rice varieties reach the fields effectively. “.
The scientific research with PNSAV — PS has borne fruit; we have developed varieties and obtained the homologation of three rice varieties. It is now the ministry’s turn to take ownership of this work to significantly support these farmers, “Dr. Moukoumbi stated.
The IRAF and PNSAV — PS are seeking the ministry’s oversight to ensure the proper utilization of the seeds in agricultural areas. “We have provided the seeds of the three homologated rice varieties to the actors, the cooperatives and agro-multiplicators, who were trained for four days. They will then each go to their field or plot to begin producing rice, which will soon be on our tables, “noted Séverin Arnaud Bibang, the director of Seeds at the General Directorate of Agriculture.
Acknowledging the project’s state-led nature, Bibang highlighted the ministry’s particular interest in the project’s progress. Fanelli Lanys Loundou, a participant in the training, expressed enthusiasm about the locally adapted seeds, hoping that this first experience will lead Gabon to reduce its dependence on rice imports in the coming years.
The success of this initiative reflects Gabon’s commitment to enhancing its agricultural practices and reducing reliance on imports, a crucial step towards sustainable and self-sufficient farming practices in the country.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Agpgabon
Source: Redaction
