By Dawda M. Jallow
The Gambian government has announced a fertilizer subsidy of D1.601 billion for the 2026 farming season to shield farmers from rising global agricultural input costs and ensure continued access to affordable fertilizer nationwide.
The Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security, Demba Sabally, announced the measure on Tuesday during a press conference at the Banjul Quadrangle, saying the government had taken steps to cushion farmers against disruptions in global supply chains and uncertainties affecting international fertilizer markets.
He said the subsidy would enable the government to maintain the official price of fertilizer at D1,100 per bag despite increases in global prices.
“This intervention underscores the Government’s commitment to supporting agricultural production, enhancing food security and safeguarding the livelihoods of farmers across the country,” Sabally said.
The minister disclosed that 17,085 metric tonnes of NPK 15:15:15 fertilizer and 4,000 metric tonnes of NPK 6:20:10 fertilizer had already arrived in the country. He added that the remaining allocation of urea fertilizer was expected shortly to ensure the timely availability of all fertilizer types required for the cropping season.
Sabally also announced that the government had secured 10,000 metric tonnes of organic fertilizer for free distribution to farmers across the country. He described the initiative as a major step towards promoting sustainable agricultural practices, improving soil fertility and reducing production costs.
He said subsidized fertilizer would be distributed through Seccos and authorised private agents nationwide, urging farmers to purchase supplies only from approved outlets to guarantee access to genuine products at the official price.
To strengthen oversight of fertilizer distribution, the minister announced that no individual would be allowed to purchase more than 25 bags without clearance from the ministry. He added that the transportation of fertilizer across the country’s borders had been prohibited.
Sabally called on the police, immigration authorities, officials of the Gambia Revenue Authority, governors, chiefs, alkalolu and farmer organisations to support the enforcement of the measures and help prevent illegal trade in fertilizer.
The minister further disclosed that the government, in partnership with development partners, would provide 461 tonnes of high-yield rice seed, 260 tonnes of maize seed, 56 tonnes of groundnut seed, four tonnes of cowpea seed and five tonnes of findi seed to farmers.
In addition, 2,325 tonnes of fertilizer will be distributed free of charge through various agricultural projects.
The support package also includes ploughing services and herbicides and is expected to benefit 1,500 communities across the country’s seven agricultural regions, covering more than 20,000 hectares of farmland.
The programme is valued at approximately US$3.3 million, equivalent to about D240 million.
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