• The Senegalese government earmarked CFA7.3 billion ($12.8 million) for subsidizing certified potato seeds.
• The program targets the purchase of 20,000 tons of seeds, including imported and locally produced varieties.
• Senegal hit a record potato output of 250,000 tons in the 2024/2025 season, exceeding previous years’ averages.

The Senegalese government allocated CFA7.3 billion ($12.8 million) to its potato seed subsidy program for the 2025/2026 horticultural season, according to a statement released on November 10 by the Ministry of Agriculture. The initiative seeks to strengthen one of the country’s most dynamic agricultural subsectors.

The ministry said the funds will finance the purchase of 20,000 tons of certified potato seeds at competitive prices for local farmers. The seed stock will include 11,348 tons of imported seeds, 7,000 tons produced locally, 1,000 tons of elite and super-elite varieties, and 500,000 vitro-plants intended for multiplication.

The government financed 18,346 tons of seeds during the previous campaign. The increased volume for 2025/2026 demonstrates authorities’ determination to boost potato yields and strengthen the value chain’s resilience.

While official harvest forecasts have not yet been released, Senegal’s potato industry set a new record of 250,000 tons during the 2024/2025 season.

Data from the National Agency of Statistics and Demography show that Senegal’s potato production had never exceeded 200,000 tons before the last campaign, averaging 151,180 tons between 2019/2020 and 2023/2024.

This article was initially published in French by Stéphanas Assocle

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum