Melon seeds market in Senegal

Earlier Report Observations

The melon seeds market in Senegal remained relatively stable between 2018 and 2020, with volumes hovering around 1 600 t. In 2018, the government established a horticultural development policy, creating a Directorate of Horticulture to promote crops like melon for export to Europe under international quality standards. NGOs also provided training to processors of local cereals, which could have indirectly improved practices for melon seeds.

From 2021 to 2023, the market gradually contracted, reaching 1 532 t in 2023. That year, substantial agricultural support was introduced, including a record budget of 120 billion FCFA for the 2023-2024 campaign with input subsidies aimed at expanding acreage and yields for oilseed and legume crops. The state also subsidized certified seeds, focusing on seed quality for crops potentially including melon.

Into 2024, support for the horticultural sector continued with enhanced import/export controls for fruits and vegetables to ensure sanitary compliance and the promotion of sustainable farming practices by companies like SENEGAL AGROGREEN. The Interministerial Council also enforced measures to guarantee agricultural product collection and floor prices, affecting seed commercialization.

Production melon seeds in Senegal

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Senegal ranked as the 13th largest producer of melon seeds globally, establishing itself among the world's leading producers during this period.

Top producers of melon seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of melon seeds, 2017-2020

Melon seed production in Senegal declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 1 573 tonnes, marking a slight contraction of 0.7% compared to 2019.

Annual dynamics of production in Senegal in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports melon seeds from Senegal

Exports in kind, kg

The market showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2019, with a 33-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Senegal exported 95 kg of melon seeds, representing a 64.3% decrease from the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 265 kg, which also saw the largest increase of 3 212.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Senegal in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Gambia was the primary and nearly exclusive market for Senegal's melon seed exports, accounting for 97.1% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Senegal in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility over the observed period. Exports hit their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2018, with a 5.3-fold variation between these years. In 2020, the value of exported melon seeds from Senegal amounted to 1.4 thousand US dollars, reflecting a significant increase of 306.8% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 0.3 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 81.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Senegal in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017–2020, the three largest markets for Senegal's melon seed exports in value terms were Spain, Mali, and Nigeria, collectively accounting for 90.3% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Senegal in value, 2017-2020

Imports melon seeds to Senegal

Imports in kind, kg

The market was characterized by volatility during these years. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2019, with a 2.6-fold variation between these years. In 2020, Senegal imported 22 754 kg of melon seeds, representing a decrease of 12.4% compared to 2019. The minimum import volume was recorded in 2018 at 9 856 kg, which saw the largest decline of 58.0%. The maximum volume was in 2019 at 25 970 kg, which experienced the largest increase of 163.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Senegal in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, the largest suppliers of melon seeds to Senegal in volume terms were Vietnam (36.6% of imports), Belgium (21.9%), and Spain (20.5%), together forming 79.1% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Senegal in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year reduction, melon seed imports into Senegal increased in 2020, totaling 812.1 thousand US dollars and showing a sharp year-on-year rise of 52.9%. Over the period 2017–2020, imports grew by 14%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.5%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 531.2 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 20.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Senegal in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the three main markets for Senegal's melon seed imports in value terms were Spain, France, and the Netherlands, collectively absorbing 72.1% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Senegal in value, 2017-2020