Significant Increase in Vegetable Production Anticipated in Mauritania During Current Agricultural Season

Mauritania Anticipates Significant Boost in Vegetable Production Amid Robust Agricultural Support

The Regional Delegate of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty in Trarza, Mr. Aslam Ould Mohamed Mokhtar, has praised the substantial increase in vegetable production during the current agricultural season, alongside a notable improvement in the overall quality of crops.

Mr. Mokhtar projected that this year’s output will surpass last year’s, attributing this growth to the increased support provided by public authorities and the growing interest among farmers in vegetable cultivation. He also highlighted the significant expansion of cultivated areas as a key factor driving this positive trend.

He expressed confidence that the current agricultural campaign will be successful in terms of both production volume and quality, ensuring the availability of agricultural products in Nouakchott’s markets and across the country’s interior regions, particularly as the holy month of Ramadan approaches.

Farmers are increasingly optimistic as the harvest season begins in the coastal farms of Aftout, located in the Keur Massene district. With 12 active companies in the sector reporting substantial improvements in production compared to previous years, national vegetable output is expected to rise significantly.

The Mauritanian government has made considerable efforts to support agriculture and achieve self-sufficiency. Mr. Mokhtar emphasized that the Ministry of Agriculture has implemented a series of measures to ensure the success of the current agricultural season, including:

Provision of Agricultural Inputs: Distribution of 1,500 kg of vegetable seeds, 520 tons of potato seeds, and 3,000 units of horticultural tools.
Enhanced Mechanization: Supply of dozens of plows to reduce the physical burden on farmers.
Promotion of Wheat Cultivation: Free distribution of tens of tons of wheat seeds and basic and compound fertilizers.
Improved Transportation: Allocation of three-wheeled carts to farmers’ unions in key districts to facilitate the transport of produce to markets.
Crop Protection: Provision of 35 tons of traditional seeds, 100 km of barbed wire, and deployment of bird control teams equipped with vehicles and drones.

These initiatives have resulted in a marked increase in production and a significant improvement in crop quality. Mr. Mokhtar reiterated that this year’s output is expected to exceed last year’s, thanks to the diversified support, increased farmer participation, and expanded cultivated areas. He also noted that the current campaign will ensure a steady supply of agricultural products in Nouakchott and other regions, especially during Ramadan.

Field testimonies further underscore this progress. Sheikh Abdi, a field supervisor at Sanabil Al-Khair Company, and El-Moustapha Mouh, a representative of the Mauritanian Rice Peeling and Distribution Company, confirmed that vegetable farming in Mauritania has seen a qualitative leap in terms of crop quality and expanded cultivation areas. Both emphasized that this year’s production will far exceed last year’s, reducing the need for imports and bolstering the local economy.

Fatimata Bint Mohamed, an employee at Sadaran Vegetable and Fruit Farming Company, praised the significant increase in national produce compared to the previous year. She also commended the working conditions in agricultural companies, which prioritize national labor, and urged citizens to embrace employment opportunities in the sector, emphasizing its potential to create jobs and reduce dependency.

In conclusion, thanks to government support and the growing interest in vegetable farming, Mauritania’s markets are expected to see a significant surge in vegetable production this season. This boost will enhance food security, stabilize prices during Ramadan, and contribute to the nation’s self-sufficiency and economic growth.

As locally produced vegetables enter the market in large quantities and high quality, citizens hope this agricultural breakthrough will strengthen national self-reliance and support the broader economy.