Senegal receives seed potatoes for new horticulture season

SENEGAL – Senegal’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Livestock has received a container of seed potatoes at the Dakar Autonomous Port as the country moves into the 2025-2026 horticulture season.

Officials say the delivery marks another step toward the national goal of stronger food systems under President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko.

The Ministry reports that it has secured more than 20,000 tons of certified seed for farmers. This includes 11,348 tons of imported seed, 7,000 tons of local seed, 1,000 tons of elite and super-elite seed, and 500,000 vitro plants for reproduction.

The government set aside over 7.3 billion FCFA (about USD 12.1 million) to help farmers access these certified seeds at fair prices.

Officials say they want farmers to feel ready for the season and to count on a system that works. One senior official noted that “the country must support growers with inputs that help them produce more and grow stronger incomes.”

The Ministry states that the total horticulture budget for 2025-2026 stands at 130 billion FCFA (about USD 215 million). Leaders say this budget reflects a deliberate effort to strengthen the structure of the horticulture sector so that farmers can plan with confidence and improve yields.

Financial progress and sector support

As of November 7, the Ministry reports that the government has paid 94.3 percent of outstanding invoices owed to seed potato suppliers. Officials credit this progress to coordination with the Ministry of Finance and the Public Treasury. They also thanked the Director-General of the Dakar Autonomous Port for smooth handling of the container, noting that the port holds an international ranking as the most efficient in Africa.

A Ministry source said that “timely payments show our commitment to partners who supply key inputs for farmers.”

Under Minister Dr. Mabouba Diagne, the Ministry says it continues to prepare the season with a clear framework that focuses on results and transparency. Officials say the country needs production systems that can face current climate pressures while keeping farmers competitive.

The Ministry stressed that “our work aims to support growers with tools that help them farm with confidence and stability.” Officials added that the upcoming season holds strong promise as long as farmers, suppliers and state institutions keep steady coordination.

Senegal now enters the planting period with a stronger stock of certified seed and a renewed commitment to support growers throughout the campaign. The Ministry says it will continue to monitor deliveries, payments and field progress as preparations advance.

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