Senegal's Minister of Agriculture, Cheikh Oumar Bâ, recently visited the department of Linguère as part of a tour to monitor the agricultural campaign. On Sunday, September 20, 2026, he toured 300 hectares of haricot beans (niébé) cultivated by the cooperative of Madame Fatou Sarr in the locality of Diéry Birane. The minister's visit aimed to assess the progress of the agricultural campaign and address the concerns of local farmers.
During the visit, Fatou Sarr, the spokesperson of the "Plateforme production niébé du Djolof" (PPND) cooperative, presented the urgent needs of her fellow female producers. She requested the restoration of depleted soils, provision of organic fertilizers, and access to sowing equipment, heavy machinery, and harvesting and processing equipment. The cooperative's members highlighted the difficulties they face during harvesting and processing, calling for tools to facilitate these tasks.
Cheikh Oumar Bâ expressed his satisfaction with the cooperative's commitment and highlighted the collaboration with the Senegalese Institute of Agricultural Research (Isra), which provides technical support. He emphasized the importance of achieving seed sovereignty as a prerequisite for sustainable food sovereignty. The minister announced plans to strengthen agricultural cooperatives to provide quality seeds to producers.
The minister praised Fatou Sarr's dynamism in mobilizing her cooperative to cultivate hundreds of hectares of niébé. He congratulated her on her success, stating that she makes her compatriots proud. Cheikh Oumar Bâ also promised to strengthen the niébé value chain in the Louga region, which is the country's largest producer of this crop.
Fatou Sarr also stressed the need for effective implementation of the agropastoral law to resolve recurring conflicts between herders and farmers in the area. The law is expected to bring an end to these disputes, which have been a longstanding challenge in the region. The minister's visit provided an opportunity for farmers to voice their concerns and seek support from the government.
The "Plateforme production niébé du Djolof" (PPND) cooperative has made significant progress in cultivating haricot beans in the Linguère region. With the support of the Senegalese Institute of Agricultural Research (Isra), the cooperative has been able to expand its cultivation and improve its production techniques. The minister's visit recognized the cooperative's efforts and provided an opportunity for further collaboration.
The Senegalese government has been investing in the agricultural sector to improve food security and promote sustainable agriculture. The minister's visit to Linguère is part of a broader effort to engage with farmers, assess the progress of the agricultural campaign, and address the challenges facing the sector. The government's initiatives aim to support farmers and promote agricultural development in the country.
Key points
- The Senegalese government plans to strengthen agricultural cooperatives to provide quality seeds to producers.
