Minister Mabouba Diagne charts the course for Koungheul's cotton future

The Koungheul department is poised to become a cornerstone of Senegal's cotton industry, a transformation spearheaded by the ambitious Promoren project. Minister of Agriculture Mabouba Diagne envisions this region as a major pole for high-value cotton production, leveraging significant investments in irrigation and agricultural development.

Promoren's core objective is to harness the water resources of the Nianija Bolong basin, mobilizing 46.6 million cubic meters of water annually. This will unlock 12,000 hectares of arable land, fostering the growth of agricultural cooperatives, fodder crops, and integrated agro-industrial farms. The ultimate goal is to achieve self-sufficiency in red meat, Tabaski sheep, and milk production, diversifying the region's agricultural output.

“

This water resource must allow the establishment of community agricultural cooperatives, the development of fodder crops (corn, sorghum, alfalfa) as well as the emergence of integrated agro-industrial farms. The objective is self-sufficiency in red meat, in Tabaski sheep and in milk.

Crucially, the project emphasizes the development of irrigated cotton farming. While rain-fed cotton yields average 750 kg per hectare, irrigated systems can produce between 2,500 and 3,000 kg, dramatically increasing profitability. Senegal, already producing over 25,000 tons of conventional cotton, aims to accelerate this growth through supplementary irrigation.

“

While the average yield in rain-fed cultivation is around 750 kg per hectare, irrigated systems can reach between 2,500 and 3,000 kg, making production significantly more profitable.

In partnership with key industry players like Sodefitex and Domitexka, and supported by programs such as "Invest for Jobs," the Ministry is committed to building an integrated cotton sector. This includes producing over 25,000 tons of conventional cotton for local textile manufacturers and 5,000 tons of organic cotton for the international market. The strategy also involves securing domestic demand by supplying uniforms to the armed forces, schools, and public administration, reinforcing the "Made in Senegal" initiative.

This comprehensive program is projected to generate 5,000 direct jobs, prioritizing youth and women, and firmly establish Koungheul as a vital agro-industrial hub. It represents a significant step towards enhancing Senegal's agricultural productivity, strengthening its industrial base, and creating sustainable economic opportunities within the country.

“

The State also intends to secure outlets through partnerships with several ministries, particularly for the supply of uniforms to the armed forces, schools, health services and the administration. A strategy aimed at sustainably anchoring local demand and promoting "Made in Senegal".