The Senegalese government's efforts to boost agricultural productivity have yielded positive results in the Bambey region. Farmers in the village of Keur Sek have achieved a remarkable 1.8 tonne per hectare seed yield of peanuts, thanks to support from the Programme des Ics pour le soutien à l'agriculture du Sénégal (PICSA). This accomplishment was announced by Mama Sougoufara, Director-General of the Direction générale des Industries chimiques du Sénégal (Ics), during a visit to the region.
The PICSA program was launched in 2025 to support Senegalese farmers in five agro-ecological zones, including the center, Senegal oriental, the Senegal River valley, southern Casamance, and the Niayes zone. The program provides certified seeds, quality fertilizers, phytosanitary products, and agricultural equipment, as well as technical training to enhance farmers' skills. According to Birame Ndiaye, head of the agronomy and agricultural development department at Ics, the program aims to help farmers increase their yields and improve their livelihoods.
The Ics has partnered with local farmers to cultivate 8 hectares of land in the Diourbel region, with 6 hectares in Bambey, 1 hectare in Diourbel, and 1 hectare in Mbacké. The program's goal is to contribute to the reconstitution of the country's seed capital and achieve self-sufficiency in seed production. The peanut variety cultivated in the region is Sunu Gal, and the seeds harvested will be used to produce more seeds in the next phase.
Mama Sougoufara emphasized the importance of choosing seeds adapted to local soil conditions and climate change. He encouraged farmers to adopt best practices to improve their yields and invited them to expand the program to other areas. The Director-General of Ics announced plans to extend the initiative to more regions, targeting over 100 producers by 2027.
Local authorities have welcomed the PICSA program, citing its potential to boost agricultural productivity and improve farmers' livelihoods. The sous-préfet of the Lambaye arrondissement, Mamadou Lamine Ngom, requested that the program be expanded to the commune of Gawane, where farmers are facing yield deficits. He also called on the Ics to support farmers in the Diourbel region in preventing and resolving conflicts with herders.
The PICSA program is part of the Senegalese government's efforts to promote sustainable agriculture and improve food security. By supporting farmers with quality inputs and technical training, the program aims to enhance agricultural productivity and contribute to the country's economic growth. The Ics has committed to working with local stakeholders to ensure the program's success and expand its reach to more regions.
The success of the PICSA program in the Bambey region is a positive indicator of the potential for agricultural growth in Senegal. With the right support and resources, farmers can achieve significant increases in yields and improve their livelihoods. The program's impact is expected to be felt beyond the region, contributing to the country's overall agricultural development and food security.
Key points
- The PICSA program has helped farmers in Senegal's Bambey region achieve a 1.8 tonne per hectare seed yield of peanuts.
- The program provides certified seeds, quality fertilizers, phytosanitary products, and agricultural equipment, as well as technical training to enhance farmers' skills.
- The Ics plans to extend the initiative to more regions, targeting over 100 producers by 2027.
