Senegal Peanut Harvest: Record 205,000 Tonnes Collected – SONACOS

Senegalese Peanut Corporation, Sonacos, Achieves Record Collection of 205,000 Tonnes

The Senegalese national peanut corporation, Sonacos, has broken its 20-year collection record, gathering over 205,000 tonnes of peanuts as of March 6, 2026. This milestone, announced by Sonacos Director General El Hadji Ndane Diagne, surpasses previous peaks recorded in 2011 (204,000 tonnes) and 2019 (122,000 tonnes). The exceptional performance comes following directives from the Prime Minister to increase the company’s purchasing capacity to 450,000 tonnes.

Record Harvest Amidst Global Market Concerns

The surge in collection is a direct response to a potentially surplus production and aims to safeguard the income of Senegalese peanut producers against a sluggish global market. Diagne emphasized that the state-guaranteed price in Senegal remains significantly higher than current international market rates, effectively shielding farmers from potential losses. This intervention is crucial given the importance of peanut farming to the Senegalese economy and the livelihoods of many rural communities.

Leveraging Technology for Improved Forecasting

Sonacos is increasingly utilizing advanced technologies to optimize its operations. Diagne highlighted the company’s adoption of tools like satellite imagery to refine its production forecasts. This move towards data-driven decision-making represents a significant shift in how Sonacos manages the complexities of the peanut harvest and supply chain. The use of satellite imagery allows for more accurate assessments of crop yields and facilitates more efficient logistical planning.

Modernization Plan Underway with Significant Investment

Beyond the immediate focus on collection, Sonacos is embarking on a large-scale industrial modernization plan. The Senegalese government has allocated 25 billion FCFA (approximately $40.5 million USD as of March 9, 2026) for the renewal of infrastructure. Suppliers for this modernization project have already been pre-selected, signaling a swift move towards upgrading facilities and improving processing capabilities. This investment is intended to enhance the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the Senegalese peanut industry.

What the Director General Said

Speaking at the “Ndogou” event hosted by the Convention of Young Reporters of Senegal (CJRS), El Hadji Ndane Diagne stated, “La Sonacos SA vient de battre son record de collecte de 20 ans, et le travail continue…” (Sonacos SA has just broken its 20-year collection record, and the function continues…). This statement, reported by Threads, underscores the company’s commitment to maintaining momentum and further improving its performance.

Confirmed vs. Unclear

Confirmed: Sonacos has collected over 205,000 tonnes of peanuts as of March 6, 2026, exceeding previous 20-year records. The Senegalese government has allocated 25 billion FCFA for infrastructure modernization. The state-guaranteed price for peanuts is higher than international market rates. El Hadji Ndane Diagne is the Director General of Sonacos.

Unclear: Specific details regarding the pre-selected suppliers for the infrastructure modernization project were not provided. The exact breakdown of how the 25 billion FCFA will be allocated across different infrastructure projects remains unclear. The specific methodology used by Sonacos in its satellite imagery analysis has not been independently confirmed. The full scope of the “Ndogou” event hosted by the CJRS was not detailed.

Background: The Importance of Peanuts in Senegal

Peanuts are a cornerstone of the Senegalese economy, representing a significant portion of the country’s agricultural output and export revenue. The peanut sector provides livelihoods for a substantial number of Senegalese farmers, particularly in rural areas. Sonacos, as the national peanut corporation, plays a critical role in the purchasing, processing, and marketing of peanuts, ensuring a stable market for producers and contributing to the country’s food security. The company’s operations are closely linked to government policies aimed at supporting the agricultural sector and promoting economic development. Sonacos’s Director General recently participated in Senegal Peanut Day, highlighting the national importance of the crop.