The Senegal and Falémé River Delta Land Development and Exploitation Company (SAED) has announced its intention to exploit 4,000 hectares of land for the rice off-season campaign which has just started in the Matam region, located in the north of Senegal. This project represents a significant increase compared to the 1,672 hectares cultivated during the previous season. The information was revealed by the Deputy Director General of SAED, Paul Faye, during a visit to Bow, in the Matam region, Friday December 20, 2024.
“Our goals are ambitious. We aim to exploit 4,000 hectares for rice cultivation. Local producers are committed to supporting us in achieving this objective,” declared Paul Faye, emphasizing the importance of this new phase of rice production.
This initiative is part of a broader policy implemented by the Senegalese government, focused on food sovereignty. SAED, aware of the challenges that producers face, has made it its mission to remove current constraints to improve yields and guarantee the success of this campaign.
“We are going in particular to rehabilitate village rice fields which were damaged by recent floods in the area,” said Paul Faye, adding that a substantial support program for rice farmers is planned. The objective is to provide technical and material support in order to maximize production and yields in this off-season campaign.
He also recalled that rice producers in the Kanel department have fully repaid the credits granted to them to finance their production. In addition, those of Matam have already repaid 76% of the loans taken out, an encouraging rate but which could still be improved. “We invite Matam producers to make additional efforts to fully repay the funds lent to them,” added Mr. Faye, urging a strengthening of financial discipline in this region.
To support producers, the Senegal River Valley Community Resilience and Development Program, supported by the World Bank and supervised by the Ministry of Family and Solidarity, provided agricultural equipment to rice farmers. This program aims to strengthen local productivity and improve the living conditions of farmers.
In conclusion, this new rice campaign is part of a national effort aimed at increasing self-sufficiency in rice and supporting the local economy, while responding to food security issues. With a cultivated area twice as large as last year, SAED intends to play a key role in the success of this strategic initiative for the country.
Moctar FICUU / VivAfrik
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