Mignane Diouf, head of the Kaffrine Departmental Agriculture Service, led a monitoring mission for the 2025-2026 agricultural campaign. The objective, he explains, is "to assess the phenological evolution of crops and to verify the implementation and distribution of inputs provided to producers."

The tour began in the municipalities of Gniby and Boulel. It provided an opportunity to meet major producers, including operator and former MP Amy Ndiaye Gniby. She is collaborating with ISRA to rebuild seed stocks. She said she experimented with different varieties on her plots, including "Rafetkar, Chalak 2, Comcom, as well as sesame and watermelon."

The delegation also visited the plots of the ADAK association and the Coprosen cooperative in Kahi, which also work in partnership with ISRA and other organizations in the multiplication of modern seeds. "We found well-maintained plots, respecting seed legislation, particularly in terms of isolation, purification, and control. We were satisfied and are now awaiting the harvests," said Mr. Diouf.

Favorable rainfall and a hybrid corn program

Regarding rainfall, ANACIM data predicts rains until the second ten days of October. "This will allow producers who sowed late in August to complete their cycle. As for those who sowed in June or July, as in Hamidi Alibi's plot, the 55-435 variety peanut has already reached maturity, ready for harvest," said the head of the agricultural service.

He also highlighted the importance of the national hybrid corn program, commonly known as "Maestro 123." In the Kaffrine department, more than 2,500 hectares were planted. "To support this crop, 36 tons of seeds, 290 tons of urea, and 310 tons of triple 15 were distributed. Each producer received a package consisting of 20 bags of Maestro, six bags of triple 15, and four bags of urea," he explained, emphasizing that corn is now "well established throughout the department" and that "producers say they are satisfied."

Grievances expressed

Despite these advances, producers have raised several grievances. Aly Diaw, president of the Coprosen cooperative in Kahi, called on the state to "provide more assistance to seed producers and facilitate their access to land." He also advocated for "the installation of boreholes and fences to secure the perimeters." According to him, 52 hectares have already been allocated to them in collaboration with the Departmental Rural Development Service.

For his part, Balla Gaye, president of ADAK, called on the authorities to "grant more land to seed producers to increase availability, in collaboration with ISRA." Amy Ndiaye Gniby, meanwhile, welcomed "the timely delivery of seeds and inputs," while calling on the new government to "support seed producers with harvesting equipment."

"If we want to achieve food self-sufficiency, we will necessarily have to support seed producers," she insisted, also inviting the State to "monitor the next marketing campaign."

The head of the Departmental Agriculture Service expressed his gratitude. "We thank the Minister of Agriculture, the President of the Republic, and the entire government for their strong support to major producers like Amy Ndiaye Gniby, the ADAK association, and the Coprosen cooperative, who in turn support producers in the Kaffrine department."