Sédhiou, September 20 (APS) – The Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Livestock encouraged farmers to continue adopting improved agricultural practices in order to maximize their yields.
He made this call during his visit to the Sédhiou region as part of a tour he is carrying out in the south of the country. This tour is part of the monitoring of the agricultural campaign.
In the Sédhiou region, Mabouba Diagne began his tour with the peanut and corn fields of the commune of Diendé.
He took the opportunity to recall the importance of innovation and the adoption of new techniques to increase agricultural yields.
“We must ensure that our farmers have the resources to adopt improved agricultural practices to ensure food sovereignty,” Mr. Diagne said.
He also visited a community agricultural estate (DAC) in Séfa. On site, he was able to see the good performance of crops thanks to new cultivation techniques and quality agricultural inputs.
The Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Livestock believes that “these cultivated areas can be an example of what we can achieve when we invest in modern and sustainable agriculture.”
Mabouba Diagne also visited other sites in the department of Bounkiling, including “Touba Fall”, in the commune of Diambalathiel and “Kandialon”, in the commune of Inor.
He met with farmers and local officials to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the Sédhiou region.
At the Touba Fall village stop, Mr. Diagne announced “significant reforms” concerning the fertilizer distribution mechanisms and the use of certified seeds.
According to the minister, these agricultural reforms include in particular the launch of the distribution of fertilizers from the months of December and January.
Such an approach will allow farmers to better plan their crops and optimize their yields, he said.
The Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Livestock reports that “the use of certified seeds contributes to more sustainable agriculture by reducing the need to use certain chemicals for environmental protection.”
Mabouba Diagne strongly reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting farmers by implementing comprehensive programs of training, formalization, and creation of intercommunal agricultural cooperatives.
The government also plans to facilitate producers’ access to financing and modern agricultural equipment, he added. “We are here to listen to your concerns and work together to find sustainable solutions in your agricultural activities.”
During his tour in the departments of Bounkiling and Sédhiou, he offered 10 tons of fertilizer to Thierno Mbaye from the village of Touba Fall, who has developed more than 114 hectares, and another 10 tons of fertilizer to Yacouba Gassama, caliph of Kandialon, a village in the commune of Inor. This religious guide has sown about 70 hectares.
Mabouba Diagne concluded his visit by recalling the importance of collaboration between the government, farmers and development partners to achieve food sovereignty objectives.
“Our mission is to create an environment conducive to agricultural growth and farmer prosperity in order to build a better future for our country,” he said.
OB/FKS/ASG
