Rédaction Africa Links 24 with babucarr balajo
Published on 2024-04-08 09:49:00
The Gambia Farmers Union recently expressed their appreciation towards President Adama Barrow’s government and the National Food Security Processing and Marketing Corporation for their unwavering support during the past groundnut trade season. Managing Director Momodou Njie revealed that the government allocated over one billion dalasis for fertiliser and groundnut subsidies in 2024, demonstrating a clear commitment to improving the conditions of Gambian farmers.
The bumper harvest of groundnuts this year was attributed to the competitive prices and availability of quality fertiliser. Initially, the government set aside D500 million to purchase groundnuts at D38,000 per tonne, exceeding the global price by D18,000. However, due to the successful harvest, the GGC ended up spending an unprecedented one billion dalasis on the purchase of groundnuts.
MD Njie assured farmers that the government remains dedicated to supporting agriculture. He highlighted the continuous increase in prices for groundnuts over the past years, emphasizing President Barrow’s commitment to ensuring fair treatment for farmers. Njie also mentioned the reduction in the price of fertiliser from D2,000 in 2022 to D1,150 in 2023, thanks to the subsidies provided by the government.
While acknowledging the challenges faced during the trade season, Mr Njie encouraged farmers to remain positive and assured them of open communication to address any issues. GGC’s deputy managing director, Lamin Sanyang, reiterated the corporation’s commitment to providing fertiliser to farmers across the country. Additionally, the GGC has started importing essential food items like rice, flour, and cooking oil to stabilize prices for the average Gambian.
President of the Gambia Farmers Union, Alieu Bah, expressed gratitude for the continuous support provided by the corporation to farmers. He commended the government for the historic D1.4 billion spent on purchasing groundnuts during the season, fulfilling its promise to empower Gambian farmers. The union’s secretary general, Modou Njie, praised GGC for its efforts in providing fertiliser and ensuring prompt payment to farmers.
Vice president of the union, Alhagie Ceesay, highlighted the importance of national development and urged all stakeholders to prioritize the country’s interests over political affiliations. He called on the government to consistently support farmers with essential resources to address food challenges in the nation. The representative of the secco presidents, Amat Sarr, lauded the GGC for purchasing a record 38,000 tonnes of groundnuts in the previous trade season.
In conclusion, the collaboration between the government, GGC, and the farmers union showcases a unified effort towards enhancing agricultural productivity and food security in The Gambia. With continued support and investments in the sector, Gambian farmers can thrive and contribute significantly to the country’s economy and overall development.
Read the original article on The Standard
