Kaffrine, Jan 8 (APS) – Private operators taking part in the marketing (2024-2025) of crops collected 3,998 tonnes of peanut seeds in the region of Kaffrine (center) in one month, compared to 3,607 tonnes for the entire region. duration of last year’s campaign (2023-2024), the APS learned from the director of rural development of this region, Mamadou Star anise.
“Regarding the agricultural marketing campaign, which officially started on December 5, the quantity collected at the regional level is 3,998 tonnes of peanuts, compared to 3,607 tonnes at the end of last year’s marketing campaign,” he said. he announced.
The 3,607 tonnes from the previous campaign were purchased by private operators between December 2023 and April 2024, i.e. four months, said Mamadou Badiane.
This year, only sixteen collection points were opened in the region, he said, recalling that 127 points had been planned.
Six are located in the department of Koungheul, as many in that of Kaffrine, the departments of Birkelane and Malem Hodar having respectively one and three collection points.
According to Mamadou Badiane, the seeds collected in the region are transported to the factories of SONACOS, the National Oilseed Marketing Company of Senegal, for transformation into oil.
This year, the floor price of a kilogram of peanuts is 305 CFA francs. Last year, it was set at 280 francs.
According to the regional director of rural development in Kaffrine, the State has not yet paid the entire debt contracted with private operators since 2023, which explains the non-operation of many collection points.
Due to the marketing of peanut seeds in weekly markets, some collection points do not work, explained Mr. Badiane.
“Farmers should reserve seeds and avoid selling, consuming or processing everything,” he said as advice.
CTS/ADE/SMD/ESF/BK
