Mabouba Diagne vante son bilan : « Que des rendements records cette année, soyez juste patients »
Before the National Assembly, during the examination of his department's 2026 budget, the Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Livestock, Mabouba Diagne, presented a positive assessment, announced innovations, and called for patience. He emphasized the "deliberate" transformation of agri-food systems, while also highlighting the performance achieved in 2025.
Production at its peak: “records never seen in ten years”
The minister opened his statement with a largely positive assessment. According to provisional data, the 2025-2026 agricultural season shows spectacular increases compared to the previous year. Mabouba Diagne listed the figures: over 22% for peanuts, 29% for maize, 16% for cowpeas, 66% for cotton, and 30% for watermelons. Total volumes, he said, reached rarely seen levels: 960,000 tons of peanuts, 639,000 tons of maize, 450,000 tons of onions, 250,000 tons of potatoes, 112,000 tons of bananas, and 25,000 tons of cotton. "In the river valley, some areas even recorded 10 tons of rice per hectare, a record," the minister boasted. He continued in the same vein: "The agricultural machine has started up." A country isn't built in eighteen months. Just be patient." He said he was ready and determined to defend the momentum already underway.
A budget increase, but still considered insufficient
Mabouba Diagne commended the government's budgetary efforts, with 120 billion CFA francs allocated last year and over 130 billion this year. However, he stated that "this 130 billion is insufficient" given the sector's ambitions. He requested support from the Ministry of Finance to go further, particularly to finance agricultural mechanization, water management, soil improvement, and support for the agribusiness sector.
Major innovations in seed distribution
The minister emphasized the progress made in this area, long the subject of criticism, citing savings of 2 billion CFA francs, direct involvement of members of parliament in oversight committees, and a firm commitment. "As long as I am minister," he declared, "there will never again be damaged seeds distributed in this country." He also commended ISRA and private operators for accelerating the multiplication of certified seeds, essential for increasing yields.
Soil restoration: a new priority
Thanks to the work of the National Institute of Soil Science (INP), a complete soil map is now available, including the needs for lime, phosphates, and organic amendments. A significant portion of the 2026 budget will be allocated to the restoration of degraded land, according to the Ministry. The Minister highlighted the success of the Salémata community agricultural cooperative. In 18 months, it transitioned from distributing food aid to selling agricultural surpluses to school canteens, thanks to a partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Ministry of National Education. "This is the kind of innovation that changes people's lives," he said. Mabouba Diagne presented figures illustrating the country's dependence: 15,000 tons of tomato paste imported annually, equivalent to 80,000 tons of fresh tomatoes, and over €100 million worth of imported dairy products, representing nearly 70 billion CFA francs. To reduce this dependence, he proposes the installation of 666 one-hectare greenhouses for tomatoes; the acquisition of 100,000 improved dairy cows; and the development of 50,000 hectares of silage for the dairy sector. In the same vein, the diaspora is called upon to play a major role. "Senegal will be developed by Senegalese people," declares the minister, who promises greater mobilization of expatriates.
The minister briefed the members of parliament on the efforts undertaken in livestock farming, land management, and the fight against transhumance. He mentioned 43,630 animals vaccinated in 222 villages, ongoing genetic improvement programs, and the structuring of agricultural and pastoral cooperatives in transhumance corridors. He acknowledged the need to move away from peanut monoculture and broaden the range of agricultural crops.
Commentaires (7)
Le discours de Ousmane sonko de ces 10 dernières se répercute sur ce travail.
Merci Mr Diagne
Bravo
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