Millet sowing operations for the 2026 rainfed crop campaign saw a strong start in Niger's Tahoua region during the second decade of June. Of the 2000 villages in the region, 1290 reported partial millet sowing, representing a 65% rate. This figure marks a significant increase compared to 2025, when 597 villages had performed partial millet sowing by the same period, equating to a 29.96% rate. The overall 2026 rainfed crop campaign commenced in the Tahoua region in the second decade of May.
Sowing Progress and Distribution
The 1290 villages that reported partial millet sowing are distributed across ten departments within the Tahoua region. This distribution includes 137 villages in Tahoua Département, 131 in Illéla, 170 in Keita, 65 in Bagaroua, 179 in Bouza, 133 in Konni, 252 in Madaoua, 172 in Malbaza, 25 in Abalak, and 9 in Ville de Tahoua. The Department of Malbaza completed its millet sowing operations during the second decade of June 2026.
Beyond millet, a total of 250 villages performed partial sorghum sowing in the second decade of June 2026. This figure represents a 12.5% rate for partial sorghum sowing during that period. In comparison, 2025 saw 122 villages perform partial sorghum sowing, which constituted a 6.12% rate. The 250 villages engaged in sorghum sowing are located across seven departments. These include 49 villages in Illéla, 85 in Keita, 28 in Konni, 34 in Madaoua, 24 in Malbaza, 24 in Bagaroua, and 6 in Ville de Tahoua.
Rainfall and Agricultural Inputs
Rainfall in the Tahoua region during the second decade of June 2026 totaled 150.2 mm over two days, with the highest recording at Foutchi in Bagaroua. In contrast, the lowest rainfall for the same period was 1 mm in one day at Kouka in Bouza. For comparison, rainfall during the second decade of June 2025 measured 42.2 mm over two days, with Dinkim in Bagaroua recording the highest. The lowest rainfall in that period of 2025 was 0.8 mm in one day at the AEROPORT post in Ville de Tahoua.
Cumulative rainfall for 2026 shows Foutchi in Bagaroua recorded the highest at 156.2 mm over three days. The lowest cumulative rainfall for 2026 was 1 mm over one day, recorded at Kouka and Leymatawa in Bouza. Cumulative rainfall for 2025 registered Founkoye in Ville de Tahoua with the highest at 79.2 mm over four days, while the lowest was 1.6 mm in one day.
In terms of agricultural inputs, 852.584 tonnes of seeds are being distributed or sold at moderate prices across the region. This total includes 588.25 tonnes of millet, with 200 tonnes designated for moderate price sale. Additionally, 87.77 tonnes of sorghum are available, of which 50 tonnes are for moderate price sale, and 100.80 tonnes of cowpea, with 30 tonnes for moderate price sale. Other seeds comprise 4.895 tonnes of groundnut, 1627 kg of okra, 8539 kg of sesame, and 15 kg of sorrel.
The region has 7000 litres of pesticide, consisting of 5000 L of Pyrical 240UL and 2000 litres of Sultan 240 UL, providing an intervention capacity for 7000 hectares. Producers also have access to 1,784 tonnes of chemical fertilizer, including 862.4 tonnes of NPK, 921.3 tonnes of urea, and 300 kg of DAP.
Market Conditions and Outlook
CAIMA supplied 1,263 tonnes of fertilizer across 18 points of sale within the region. The food situation is currently marked by a slight increase in prices for maize and groundnuts, while other commodities have experienced a slight decrease compared to the previous decade. Food prices are considerably lower than those recorded during the same period in 2025 and also below the five-year average. Officials observed that the phytosanitary situation remains stable. Sowing operations are progressing in production zones that have received adequate rainfall, excluding pastoral areas. Regular surveillance is being conducted to prevent potential pest attacks in vulnerable areas.
