By: Binta Jaiteh
Farmers’ Pharmacy, a national organization promoting sustainable agricultural practices is busy preparing to host a National Market Day aimed at boosting local agriculture.
The event is designed to connect farmers directly with consumers by providing a platform for the sale of fresh, locally produced food, while also promoting agribusiness and strengthening food security.
Speaking ahead of the event, the Chairman of Farmers’ Pharmacy, Abdul Rahim Cole, says the initiative is intended to create opportunities for farmers and improve their access to markets.
“This Market Day is about creating real opportunities for farmers. For too long, many farmers have faced challenges in accessing fair markets. This platform allows them to sell directly to consumers, earn better income, and showcase the quality of what we produce locally,” he said.
The Secretary General of Farmers’ Pharmacy, Sang Mendy, says the initiative also aims to contribute to national development by promoting local agriculture and reducing reliance on imported food.
“This is not just a movement to promote local agriculture and reduce dependence on imported food. We want Gambians to appreciate and support what our farmers produce. By doing so, we strengthen livelihoods, create jobs, and build a more resilient food system,” he remarked.
A vegetable farmer from West Coast Region, Fatou Jallow, said the Market Day would help improve her income and enable direct engagement with customers.
“Sometimes we sell our produce at very low prices because we don’t have direct access to buyers. This event will help us meet customers ourselves and sell at better prices. I am very glad to participate,” she said.
A poultry farmer, Lamin Sanyang, says the initiative will help promote local products and build consumer trust.
“People will see the quality of our products and understand that local farmers can meet their needs,” he said. “It is also a good opportunity for us to grow our businesses and build relationships with customers.”
The organizers said the event would also serve as a platform for awareness, networking and collaboration within the agricultural sector, highlighting the importance of supporting local production.
They add that expectations are high that the initiative will boost farmers’ sales and encourage stronger national commitment to agriculture as a driver of economic growth.
Farmers’ Pharmacy Market Day is a marketplace initiative bringing together farmers, consumers, agribusiness actors and development partners. It will allow farmers to sell fresh produce directly to the public, while giving consumers access to affordable, locally produced food.
