Senegal peanut production surges 12% in 2023/2024 agricultural campaign
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SENEGAL – Senegal has reported a 12 percent increase in peanut production, reaching 1.67 million tonnes during the 2023/2024 agricultural campaign, up from 1.5 million tonnes in the previous season.
This growth was highlighted in a report by the National Agency for Statistics and Demography (ANSD).
According to the report, the key production areas include the regions of Kaffrine, Kolda, Kaolack, and Fatick, which collectively contributed over 200,000 tonnes of peanuts.
The increase in production is primarily attributed to a 2.3 percent expansion in cultivation areas, which now exceed 1.2 million hectares.
Additionally, enhanced financial support to farmers played a crucial role in boosting productivity.
To further support the sector, the Senegalese government allocated US$46.6 million to subsidize the purchase of peanut seeds during the campaign. This financial assistance has strengthened the agricultural infrastructure, ensuring a steady increase in production.
In a bid to secure sufficient domestic supply, the government implemented a temporary ban on peanut exports for the 2024/2025 marketing season.
The suspension, which began in November 2024, aims to prevent disruptions in local availability and pricing caused by overlapping export operations.
A letter issued in September allowed exports only until November 15, reinforcing efforts to prioritize domestic demand.
The 2023/2024 campaign also saw an 8.9 percent upward revision in the purchase price of peanuts from producers, now set at 305 CFA francs (US$0.48) per kilogram. This adjustment reflects efforts to support farmers and ensure fair compensation for their produce.
Senegal is Africa’s third-largest peanut producer, with the oilseed remaining its leading cash crop by area cultivated and production volume.
Peanut cultivation spans more than 1.2 million hectares, predominantly within the peanut basin regions of Thiès, Louga, Diourbel, Fatick, and Kaolack.
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