The last Senegalese okra cycle has just come to an end and has seen strong demand, according to Bineta Hanne, manager of Sipa de Thiambe.
The grower says, "In recent years, we have reduced our okra area because of the drop in international demand. However, we are delighted to report that we finally managed to break this vicious circle at the end of 2024, thanks to a marked improvement in demand. Our okra production is characterized by good sizes and good quality, and has finally found its customers abroad."
Hanne adds that demand has been particularly high from France: "I've received several requests from European customers, but the overwhelming majority come from France. The surge in demand coincided with the harvest of the summer cycle characterized by high yields."
"We have decided for the first time in a long time to increase our okra area. Planting for the next cycle starts on January 15 and we hope for the best and especially hope for better prices in 2025," Hanne says.
"We desperately need better prices than at the end of 2024. Firstly, it's because the next cycle is winter and has lower yield. And also, as everyone knows, the cost of agricultural inputs is constantly rising," she adds.
"We have the capacity to handle the increased demand, both in terms of volumes and planting the varieties and sizes desired by the destination markets, and of course in compliance with the standards and certifications of destination markets in Europe," Hanne concludes.
Okra in Senegal is grown all year round but has recently suffered from the repercussions of climate change in the country, being particularly sensitive to heat waves.
For more information:
Bineta Hanne
Sipa de Thiambe
Tel: +221 77 654 68 12
Email: [email protected]