The Senegalese plant health authorities have announced that mangoes in the center and south of the country have reached satisfactory physiological maturity, marking the start of the Senegalese mango season. The same source reports a drop in volumes this season and sets the following dates for the issue of the first phytosanitary certificates:
- In Sédhiou, Goudomp, Djibanar, and Birkama in the south, Sindia and Kinabour in the center of the country: 15 May 2024
- In Fimela, Némanding Karang, Keur Madaro, and Tassette in the center of the country: 27 May 2024
- In the irrigated orchards of the Niayes: 3 June 2024
This is the third successive year of declining mango volumes in Senegal, according to Amadou Ndiaye Seck, general manager of A.N.S Inter-Export. The grower explains, "This time, the drop is due to the delay in flowering caused by climatic conditions. All the countries that produce mangoes have suffered the same delay in flowering, including Peru, Côte d'Ivoire, and Mali."
"The first flowering accounts for 12-15% of the season's total production and 20-30 days remain before the next flowering, which means that prices will rise at the start of the season," adds Ndiaye Seck.
The Plant Protection Directorate's memos also warned of the necessity of careful fruit selection and mentioned the risks associated with fruit flies. Ndiaye Seck comments, "The fruit fly phenomenon is in decline compared to the previous seasons. It's not escaping continuous and permanent monitoring by the DVP, and obtaining the phytosanitary certificate means that the mangoes are of good quality. What's more, exports are stopped altogether during risk periods based on the results of fruit fly monitoring."
The grower concludes, "At least 25,000 hectares of mango orchards for export are subject to this strict control. While volumes may be down, we can guarantee that the quality will be top-notch this season."
For more information:
Amadou Ndiaye Seck
A.N.S Inter-Export
Tel: +221 70 645 54 95
Email: [email protected]