Agricultural campaign: Producers in Tivaouane demand funding and debt relief

Agricultural stakeholders in Tivaouane took advantage of the visit of the Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Livestock, Dr. Cheikhou Oumar Ba, to present their grievances. The producers pleaded for the establishment of mechanisms that would allow them easier access to credit in order to cover the costs of the agricultural season and increase their production capacity.

They also requested government assistance in settling debts owed to banks. According to them, these financial commitments are currently hindering their access to new loans and limiting the investments needed to develop their farms.

The other major demand concerns the prompt signing of seed availability notifications. Farmers believe this document is essential for approaching banks and obtaining the necessary financing before fieldwork can actually begin.

Producers also welcomed the digitalization of the seed distribution system being piloted in Tivaouane. They consider this innovation a significant step forward in strengthening transparency, ensuring better traceability of inputs, and reducing the risk of fraud.

While expressing their expectations, agricultural stakeholders reaffirmed their willingness to support the supervisory authority in implementing its food sovereignty policy. They hope their concerns will be addressed promptly so they can approach the agricultural season under better conditions.

The minister was reassured by the provision of agricultural inputs.

The minister expressed his satisfaction with the system put in place for the distribution of inputs and seeds. “I have observed that the committees have included all stakeholders, and I am reassured to see the defense and security forces represented to ensure the transparency demanded by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. We conducted this tour very early to avoid having to react to crises. We want to address the problems at the grassroots level, reach out to the communities, anticipate difficulties, and take into account the expectations of the stakeholders,” stated Dr. Cheikhou Oumar Ba.

According to him, the distribution of inputs is generally progressing well, although efforts are still needed to accelerate their delivery to producers. The minister also highlighted the progress made thanks to the digitalization of agricultural input distribution.

"The test carried out in Tivaouane received strong support from stakeholders. Digitalization allows us to ensure better traceability of operations and to guarantee greater transparency in the distribution of seeds," he stressed.

Regarding the mechanization of agriculture, the minister announced the upcoming acquisition of new equipment. "We are currently making the necessary arrangements to purchase, in the very short term, 500 power tillers and 500 mini-tractors. This equipment will be delivered soon, and we will define the procedures for making it available to producers," he stated.