For the third year in a row, the Senegalese mango season is experiencing major disruptions. Abdoulay Gueye, mango grower and president of the Association of growers and harvest technicians of mango in Niayes says: "We continue to experience poor campaigns, but this season's issues are particular."
The grower explains, "The season started 15-20 days early. While the first harvest went well, the second came too early and coincided with the rainy season. Fruit flies become very active during the rainy season, and the fruit can no longer be exported to Europe. The Senegalese authorities have therefore announced an end to exports to Europe and a halt to the issuing of phytosanitary certificates as of August 2."
The climatic factor had another impact on the mango season in Senegal, adds Gueye: "We had hot winds during flowering, which caused a lot of abortions. And again, it was the second harvest of the season that was most affected. In many parts of the country, therefore, there was only one harvest."
The halt of exports to Europe signals an abrupt end to the campaign, even though small volumes are still finding destinations. "There are still a lot of mangoes available. Some exporters are managing to deliver small quantities to Morocco and other neighbouring countries," says Gueye.
"Prices are in free-fall. Currently, 1 kg is being sold at 200 CFA (€0.30) per kg compared to 250-300 CFA francs a few days ago," concludes the grower.
For more information:
Abdoulay Gueye
Layekent
Tel : +221 76 322 28 81
Email: [email protected]