Senegalese onions are now available for export to West Africa. Mokhtar El Mahdaoui, a Moroccan-Senegalese producer, gives us an update.
El Mahdaoui says, "The Senegalese onion season has got off to a good start, despite a 15-day delay due to the extended rainy cycle. We're seeing an increase in onion acreage across the country, compared with the previous season, due to higher prices since June and the attractiveness of this crop to growers."
"Red onion varieties, which are destined to the West African markets, dominate production, and are available now" adds El Mahdaoui. " There is nevertheless an increase in areas planted with yellow onion varieties intended for export to Europe, which will be available on June"
Senegalese export onions meet strong demand, says El Mahdaoui, quoting growers' numbers, "producers based in northern Senegal export red onions to Mauritania and Mali, and those in the central zone exported 20,000 tons of white onions to Spain last season."
Senegal relies heavily on imports from the Netherlands and Morocco for its local market. "Since Morocco banned exports of onions - among other crops - to West Africa in February 2023, this has had repercussions on the local market in Senegal, driving up prices and prompting growers to increase their acreage," concludes the grower.
For more information:
Mehdaoui Elmokhtar
Consulting Agro-Industriel
Tel: +212 661-285356
Email: [email protected]