Dori: The Sahel Regional Directorate of Agriculture, Animal Resources and Fisheries has initiated a comprehensive artificial insemination campaign for cattle. The campaign, launched on Thursday, July 24, 2025, in Dori, is part of the 2023-2025 agro-pastoral and fisheries offensive and aims to inseminate 900 cows to enhance meat and milk production in the region.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Mr. Y© Abidiasse, regional director in charge of agriculture, animal resources, and fisheries, stated that this operation is part of a transformative effort to modernize the livestock sector. The aim is to establish a modern, productive, competitive, and resilient livestock system. “This campaign helps establish sustainable food sovereignty in a context marked by security and climate challenges,” he explained.

The cost of insemination is estimated at 75,000 CFA francs per cow. However, under this state-supported initiative, each insemination is subsidized by 70,000 CFA francs, meaning farmers only contribute 5,000 CFA francs. This policy is designed to encourage more farmers to adopt this technology.

During the initial two days, July 24 and 25, approximately forty cows have already undergone insemination. A livestock technician, who preferred to remain anonymous, noted that artificial insemination allows for the synchronization of heats in multiple cows and the use of sperm from high-performing bulls, which is collected and stored under specific conditions.

This modern approach enables better birth planning, enhances herd genetics, and reduces the risk of transmitting zoonotic diseases such as brucellosis or tuberculosis. The campaign comes at a time of insecurity, where many breeders have lost breeding males, complicating natural livestock reproduction.

In this challenging context, artificial insemination is viewed as a viable alternative to preserve livestock and sustain the sector’s productivity. The regional director encouraged breeders to fully support the initiative to make their farms profitable and modernized.

The campaign is seen as a significant opportunity for livestock farmers dealing with insecurity and climate change. By providing access to modern reproductive technologies, it serves as an essential tool for reviving the livestock sector, a crucial component of the local and national economy.