By: Haruna Kuyateh
Farmers across The Gambia have hailed government support for agricultural inputs while calling for an increase in the farm gate price of groundnuts ahead of the 2025 trade season.
Dr. Saikou E. Sanyang, Deputy Permanent Secretary (DPS) at the Ministry of Agriculture, described the 2025 crop performance as “impressive and encouraging,” rating the season a success. Dr. Sanyang is currently on a week-long nationwide tour to assess crops and engage with GIRAV youths’ matching grant beneficiaries and champion farmers.
Speaking to Voice newspaper during visits to Toroba, Njie Kundaring in Lower Badibou, and Njaba Kunda in Central Badibou, Dr. Sanyang expressed satisfaction with crop performance. He noted that the exercise provides first-hand information on food sufficiency and farmers’ views on pricing, particularly for groundnuts. He also used the visit to update the Deputy Governor’s office on crop performance and to commend the government for timely support to farmers.
Dr. Sanyang encouraged youths to actively support food production and praised the efforts of Momodou Loum, noting that the acquisition of tractors will boost agricultural output. He called on beneficiaries in Toroba to ensure transparency and accountability in tractor operations, emphasizing good governance.
Chief Alagie Jagne of Njaba Kunda, a prominent farmer, thanked the government for delivering high-quality agricultural inputs, which enabled him and other farmers to expand production. Chief Jagne urged the government to increase the farm gate price of groundnuts from D38 to D45 per kilo, arguing that this would promote groundnut farming. He also stressed the importance of using quality seed to ensure timely sowing and planting.
Deputy Governor Dembo Samateh highlighted the government’s commitment to agricultural mechanization, noting the launch of 180 tractors and the donation of two additional tractors to Toroba and Ndofan communities. He described Dr. Sanyang’s courtesy call as significant for updating the office of the Governor on crop performance.
Momodou Loum, a GIRAV matching grant beneficiary from Toroba, praised the support received for poultry breeding, machinery purchases, and integrated farming. He also encouraged youths to take up agricultural skills to contribute to food security. Loum reported that his high-breed cattle produce 14 liters of milk daily and thanked WALIC for their support.
Meanwhile, Maimuna Jobe, an upland rice farmer from Njie Kundaring, called on the Ministry of Agriculture to provide rice threshers and milling machines to reduce post-harvest losses.
The visits underscore the government’s focus on mechanization, youth involvement, and boosting agricultural productivity, while farmers continue to advocate for supportive pricing policies.
