Benin/Agricultural development: ATDA-VN takes stock and outlines prospects for priority sectors

The Agence Territoriale de Développement Agricole Vallée du Niger (ATDA-VN), covering the communes of Malanville and Karimama, has high ambitions for the development of the rice and market gardening sectors, which it coordinates. With this in mind, it organized two major workshops at the Groupement Intercommunal des Collines headquarters in Dassa:

- From July 28 to 29, 2025, a mid-term review workshop for the 2025-2026 season and planning for the 2026-2027 season for the rice sector;

- From July 30 to 31, 2025, a similar workshop for the vegetable sector.

The major objective of ATDA-VN, headed by Mr. Jean Gbèto DANSOU, is clear: to achieve production of one million tonnes of paddy rice (unhusked) and significantly increase yields of the main vegetable crops.

In addition to institutional players, these workshops mobilized all value chain stakeholders: producers, processors, traders, as well as technical and financial partners. The involvement of all these players aims to guarantee realistic and shared campaign plans.

Rice sector: On course for one million tonnes

The Programme National de Développement de la Filière Riz (PNDF-Riz), launched in 2018 and coordinated by ATDA-VN at national level, aimed from the outset for production of one million tonnes by 2025. Thanks to joint efforts, production has risen from 363,000 tonnes in 2018 to 531,000 tonnes in 2022, an increase of 46%. However, Benin still has a rice deficit.

To make up this shortfall and achieve the targets set, the participants agreed to strengthen :

- The extension of cultivated areas through hydro-agricultural development;

- The improvement of yields per hectare through the use of certified seeds and the dissemination of the latest technologies.use of certified seeds and dissemination of good agricultural practices;

- Local rice processing capacities;

- Promotion and consumption of locally produced rice.

Market gardening: Targeted investments for sustainable production

In the market gardening sector, discussions identified priorities for the 2026-2027 season. These include

- Facilitating producers' access to agricultural inputs (seeds, fertilizers, pesticides);

- Improving access to water in market garden areas through hydro-agricultural schemes;

- Providing equipment for production, processing and marketing;

- Develop storage and preservation infrastructures;

- Strengthen technical and managerial support for stakeholders through agricultural advice and training.

Production targets for the 2026-2027 season

For the coming season, ATDA-VN forecasts the following production volumes for priority vegetable crops:

- Tomatoes: 360,000 tons

- Peppers: 200,000 tons

- Onions: 140,000 tons

- Okra: 90,000 tons

- Potatoes: 840 tons

- Leafy vegetables: 72,565 tons

Source: www.gouv.bj/