Up to 73 mm of rain: The first "useful" rains finally kick off the rainy season in Kédougou

The first significant rains of the winter season fell on the night of June 8-9 on several localities in the Kédougou region, bringing a breath of hope to agricultural producers who were eagerly awaiting the effective start of the 2026 agricultural campaign.

According to rainfall measurements recorded by various stations in the region, significant amounts of water were collected. The department of Saraya recorded the highest rainfall with 73 millimeters, followed by Mako (48 mm), Dakately (37 mm), Kédougou Station (35.9 mm), the commune of Salémata with 33 mm, and Kédougou Agricole (32 mm). Other localities also received considerable rainfall: Bandafassi (25.1 mm), Fongo (24.8 mm), Laminiya (20 mm), Salémata (19 mm), Khossanto (16.2 mm), and Sabodala (13 mm).

These first so-called "useful" rains are an important signal for the rural world. Although seasonal forecasts suggest a normal to slightly late start to the rainy season, the rainfall totals recorded during this first period of rain indicate that the rainy season has now begun in the eastern region.

In villages as well as in production areas, farmers have already begun preparing their fields. Clearing, cleaning plots, and preliminary work are currently keeping producers busy as they prepare to sow the first seeds as soon as conditions allow.

On the technical services side, the operations to set up agricultural inputs and equipment are continuing. The departmental rural development services are working to make seeds, fertilizers, and equipment available before the full onset of the rainy season, with the aim of ensuring a smooth agricultural campaign.

After several weeks of waiting marked by high temperatures and strong demand from farmers, these first rains have rekindled hopes for a favorable agricultural season in a region where agriculture remains one of the main drivers of economic and social development. With these first abundant rains, the 2026 agricultural season appears to be well underway in the Kédougou region.