(Ecofin Agency) - By 2020, Senegal River Valley (VFS) would produce up to 875,000 tons of rice, up from 455,000 tons currently. This was revealed by Amadou Thiam, head of development and support to local authorities at the national authority for Delta land operation and development (SAED).

According to APS which reported the news, Senegal initiated various measures to hit target, including the improvement in land development as well as higher financial support for agriculture.

Mr. Thiam said through the agricultural support scheme, local farmers now have easier access to equipment. Moreover, the National agricultural credit fund (CNCAS) benefited from a CFA10 billion credit line provided by the French Development Agency (AFD) for agricultural investments. Let’s note that VFS accounts for about 60% of Senegal's rice output, according to USDA. It has a hydro-agricultural potential estimated at 240,000 hectares.

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