Kédougou: Peanut seeds almost ready for the 2026-2027 season, but delayed rains are a concern

The 2026-2027 agricultural campaign is gradually progressing in the Kédougou region. According to the weekly monitoring report covering the period from July 16 to 22, 2026, the distribution of agricultural inputs has made significant progress, particularly for peanut seeds and fertilizers. However, the low rainfall observed at most of the region's rain gauge stations is prompting technical services to remain vigilant.

To ensure a fair and transparent distribution of inputs, the administrative authorities established departmental and local commissions to oversee the receipt and transfer of production factors, with the support of the defense and security forces. Operations effectively commenced after notifications were sent to the various operators.

Peanut seeds available at over 96%

The distribution of certified peanut seeds continues across all distribution commissions. To date, 466.30 tonnes of certified seeds of the 73-33 variety (level R2) have been received, representing a distribution rate of 96.14%.

Distribution to producers is also progressing satisfactorily with a transfer rate of 85.46%, reflecting a good level of appropriation by farmers.

Maize available, fonio and sorghum still awaited

For other crops, only maize seed is currently available. Agricultural services have received 72 tonnes of the R2-certified Swan variety, representing a planting rate of 90%.

However, distribution remains limited, with only 11.64% of the quantities sold to producers.

However, fonio and sorghum seeds are not yet available, as no official notification has been recorded so far.

Three varieties of rice have already been received.

Of the five rice varieties planned for the region, three are already available: BG 90-2, Sahel 108 and Nerica L19.

Placement rates reached 50%, 72.24% and 65.25% respectively. Distribution operations also began with a transfer rate of 100% for the BG 90-2 variety, 33.38% for Sahel 108 and 25.45% for Nerica L19.

Fertilizer availability is also showing encouraging signs. The 6-20-10 formula is now available at 100% of the planned quantities. The 15-15-15 formula has reached an application rate of 98.35%, while urea (46-00-00) is available at a rate of 68.25%.

Regarding sales to producers, 43.01% of 6-20-10 has already been distributed, compared to 67.86% of 15-15-15 and 72.50% of urea.

To prevent attacks by the fall armyworm, the Plant Protection Directorate (DPV) has made available to the department of Kédougou a stock of 40 litres of Sultan 480 EC, intended for rapid interventions in affected areas.

Rainfall lower than that of 2025

From a climate perspective, the report highlights a worrying situation. Compared to the same period last year, 13 of the region's 15 rain gauge stations are recording a rainfall deficit. The Ethiolo station shows the most significant decline, with a deficit of 169.5 mm.

Conversely, only the Mako and Oubadji stations show rainfall higher than that of 2025, with Oubadji recording a surplus of 193.4 mm.

Comparison with the 1991-2020 climate average also reveals a contrasting situation. The stations in Bandafassi, Salémata, Saraya, and Bembou show above-average rainfall totals, with a record 140.5 mm surplus in Salémata. In contrast, most other locations remained below average as of July 22, 2026.

Technical services also point out that seasonal forecasts predict a normal to deficient wintering period, an important factor for the organization of agricultural activities.

The first well-established crops

On the ground, the first waves of sowing already concern fonio, maize, rice, peanuts, sorghum and cotton.

The crops are currently between the emergence, vegetative growth and, for the first peanut sowings, early flowering stages, a sign of normal development of the sown areas despite the irregularity of the rains.

The phytosanitary situation is marked by the presence of the fall armyworm in the departments of Saraya and Salémata.

The fall armyworm under surveillance

Technical services assure, however, that the outbreaks are being closely monitored and that the interventions undertaken are currently keeping the infestations under control, with damage to crops considered limited.

Despite less favorable rainfall than the previous year, the 2026-2027 agricultural season shows encouraging progress in terms of input availability. Agricultural authorities remain vigilant, however, regarding rainfall patterns and the phytosanitary situation in order to safeguard production prospects in the Kédougou region.