Mauritania Achieves Significant Progress in National Vegetable Production

Correspondent

Nouakchott, Mauritania – In a promising development for the nation’s agricultural sector, Mauritania’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, Momme Ould Beïbatt, announced on Sunday that the country’s vegetable production has reached encouraging levels in both quantity and quality. The statement was made during an inspection tour of agricultural projects in the Aftout Sahli region, encompassing the moughataas (administrative divisions) of Keur Macène and Rosso.

Accompanied by Zeinebou Mint Ahmednat, Minister of Commerce and Tourism, the visit aimed to assess the progress of initiatives aimed at achieving local self-sufficiency in vegetable production and eventually transitioning to export-oriented agriculture.

Minister Ahmednat expressed her satisfaction with the advancements witnessed during the tour, stating, “I came to observe the measures implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty to achieve local self-sufficiency in vegetables and to eventually reach the stage of export.” She added that she was “impressed by the level of development in the agricultural region and the significant achievements witnessed,” highlighting the region’s ongoing agricultural renaissance in both quantity and quality.

The minister attributed this progress to several key factors, including the electrification of the valley, the paving of roads, and the substantial efforts made by the national private sector. These developments have collectively contributed to the transformation of the region into a hub of agricultural productivity.

However, the agricultural sector has not been without its challenges. In the latter months of 2024, severe flooding along the riverbanks displaced dozens of families from their villages and inundated vast agricultural areas. Despite these setbacks, the government’s commitment to infrastructure development and private sector engagement has bolstered the resilience of the agricultural community.

The visit underscores Mauritania’s determination to strengthen its agricultural sector, reduce dependency on imports, and eventually position itself as a regional exporter of high-quality vegetables. As the country continues to invest in infrastructure and support local farmers, the prospects for sustainable agricultural growth appear increasingly promising.