The okra sector in Senegal has suffered a shrinking acreage in recent years, which according to Bineta Hanne, manager of Sipa de Thiambe, is due to a drop in exports.
The grower says: "We've cut our okra acreage by almost half due to the drop in exports. We currently supply the Senegalese domestic market only. We used to have a customer in France, on the Rungis international market, but we preferred to concentrate on the local market, because of unfair payment terms."
In addition to the decline in acreage, climate change is contributing to the drop in okra volumes in the country. Hanne explains: "Okra is grown all year round in Senegal, and the summer cycle has a higher yield. But we're seeing yields drop compared to previous seasons, because of the heat waves. This has increased prices by 10-15% this year."
Hanne hopes to open up export markets: "There was a time when Senegalese okra was in great demand, and we expect to export again and work with serious customers. We now produce varieties and sizing for the local market, but we can adapt to customer needs and European standards."
The next okra harvest corresponding to the summer cycle is expected soon, concludes Hanne: "We sowed on the first of August and are now in the prime of development period."
For more information:
Bineta Hanne
Sipa de thiambe
Tel: +221 77 654 68 12
Email: [email protected]