The Society for the Development and Exploitation of Land in the Senegal River Delta and the Falémé (SAED) has launched an ambitious initiative to cultivate 4,000 hectares during the current off-season rice farming campaign, a significant increase from the 1,672 hectares cultivated in the previous season.

Paul Faye, Deputy Director-General of SAED, announced this goal during a visit to the organization’s facilities in Bow, located in the Matam region. He emphasized the commitment of local rice producers to support this expansion, stating, “Our objectives are quite ambitious. We aim to exploit 4,000 hectares for rice cultivation. The producers have committed to helping us achieve this goal.”

This campaign commences as the Senegalese government intensifies its focus on food sovereignty, aiming to reduce dependence on rice imports and enhance national self-sufficiency. Rice is a staple in Senegalese cuisine, and increasing domestic production is pivotal for food security.

To ensure the success of this campaign and improve yields, SAED plans to address various challenges faced by rice producers. Faye assured that the organization would work to “remove the constraints faced by producers,” facilitating better access to resources and support.

One significant challenge is the recent flooding that destroyed village rice fields in the area. SAED intends to replant these affected fields, demonstrating a commitment to restoring and enhancing agricultural productivity. An extensive support program for rice farmers is also planned, aiming to provide the necessary tools and assistance to achieve the set objectives.

Financial responsibility among producers is crucial for the sustainability of such initiatives. Faye noted that rice producers in the Kanel department have fully repaid the loans provided to them, while those in the Matam department have achieved a repayment rate of 76%. He urged producers in Matam to strive for complete repayment, highlighting the importance of financial discipline in accessing future support. To this end, SAED’s regional delegation has been tasked with sensitizing producers about the necessity of repaying loans.

The success of this campaign is further bolstered by collaborative efforts. The Programme de Résilience et de Développement Communautaire de la Vallée du Fleuve Sénégal, financially supported by the World Bank and overseen by the Ministry of Family and Solidarity, has provided agricultural equipment to rice producers. This support is expected to enhance productivity and contribute to the overall success of the campaign.

SAED’s initiative aligns with broader national goals of achieving food sovereignty and reducing reliance on imports. By doubling the area under cultivation and providing necessary support to farmers, the organization is playing a pivotal role in strengthening Senegal’s agricultural sector.

As the campaign progresses, continuous monitoring and support will be essential to overcome challenges and ensure that the ambitious targets set by SAED are met. The commitment of both the organization and the local producers indicates a promising trajectory towards enhanced rice production and food security in Senegal.

Published Date: December 23, 2024