In Senegal, Ousmane Sonko’s recent announcement concerning the price of a kilogram of peanuts, set at 305 FCFA for the 2024-2025 marketing year, provoked a strong reaction among certain farmers.
Although the objective was to stabilize the peanut market and support local producers, this decision quickly provoked a strong reaction among Senegalese farmers, who consider this price insufficient.
Producers believe that this tariff does not take into account the substantial increases in production costs in recent years.
In particular, prices of agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and fuel have risen sharply, putting additional pressure on farmers.
Many farmers consider that 305 FCFA per kilogram does not sufficiently cover their expenses, which endangers the profitability of their farms.
Faced with this situation, some agricultural unions have expressed their discontent, threatening to organize protests to make their demands heard.
They call for a review of the price of peanuts, in order to guarantee a fairer income for producers.
« We hoped for at least 500 FCFA to reward our efforts, but the government disappointed us », declared Cheikh Tidiane Cissé, general secretary of the farmers of the Peanut Basin.
Although Ousmane Sonko is seen by some as a defender of the interests of Senegal’s farmers, this announcement could tarnish his image among this social category.
The Prime Minister, known for his critical positions on the country’s economic policies, could find himself in a delicate position, given the scope of the reaction from rural producers.
The issue of peanut prices is therefore becoming a major subject of debate in the country, with considerable political and social implications.
The government justifies this decision by citing the need to regulate the local market and avoid massive exports, particularly to neighboring countries. We will keep you informed of further events.
