By Fatou Krubally
National Assembly Member for Foni Jarrol, Tumanding Sanneh, has praised the National Food Security Processing and Marketing Corporation (NFSPMC) for what he described as a successful management of the 2025/2026 groundnut trade season.
Sanneh, who had previously criticised the operations of the state-run corporation, said the current season marked a notable improvement in pricing, payment systems, and overall farmer confidence.
Speaking in an interview with local media, the lawmaker said farmers were no longer being encouraged to sell their produce locally through persuasion, as prices offered within The Gambia were competitive enough to attract them naturally.
He said the price per tonne paid during the season ranked among the highest in the sub-region, making the Gambian groundnut market attractive to producers, including those from neighbouring countries.
According to Sanneh, the impact of the pricing policy was reflected in the financial performance of primary cooperative societies nationwide, which recorded what he described as healthy financial figures.
He attributed the improved results to greater transparency and efficiency in the groundnut trade system, noting that such reforms were long overdue.
The legislator also commended NFSPMC for ensuring timely payments to farmers, a long-standing concern among producers, stressing that prompt compensation is essential for rebuilding trust and boosting agricultural productivity.
Sanneh further disclosed that favourable prices in The Gambia had reportedly attracted some Senegalese farmers to sell their groundnuts across the border, a development he said had led to increased scrutiny of cross-border transportation.
He described the situation as a positive outcome of market-driven competition rather than a political issue, adding that countries are expected to compete fairly in regional and international markets.
Observers say Sanneh’s endorsement carries significance, given his earlier criticism of NFSPMC, and view his remarks as an indication of institutional improvement rather than political alignment.
As the trade season continues, farmers across The Gambia are reporting renewed confidence in the system, citing improved pricing and timely payments as key gains.
