Senegal's peanut production is projected to plummet to 731,000 tons for the 2024/2025 season. This represents a steep 54% decline from the previous year, according to the latest report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released on June 30.

Although the report does not detail the specific reasons for this grim forecast, several contributing factors have been identified. Sidy Ba of the Agricultural Producers' Dialogue Framework (CCPA) warned of a critical rainfall deficit that occurred between August and September 2024. This period is crucial for crop development, and his remarks came a few months after the season began last December.

Other industry voices have highlighted the "poor quality" of seeds and fertilizers distributed by the government. The USDA also indicated that the harvested area shrank by 35.4% year-on-year to 810,000 hectares. Average yields are expected to fall by 32% to just 0.9 tons per hectare.

These disappointing figures will likely further restrict export volumes. The season was also marked by a five-month export ban, which aimed to ensure sufficient supply for domestic oil mills.

While final results for the 2024/2025 campaign are still pending, industry stakeholders are looking ahead with cautious optimism. The USDA forecasts a production rebound in the 2025/2026 season. This expected recovery is attributed to a record government budget allocated for agricultural support and more favorable weather conditions.

Peanuts continue to be Senegal's leading agricultural export and a vital source of foreign exchange for the sector.