By Kebba A.F Touray
Demba Sabally, the Minister of Agriculture, responded to queries of members of the National Assembly regarding access and cost of fertiliser.
He informed the members of the legislative house that the Government has subsidised fertiliser by over fifty percent (55%).
“On fertiliser, the lawmakers spoke about access and high cost of fertiliser. I want to assure this house that access to fertiliser has seriously improved in this country particularly this year. We have over 80 Cooperative Societies (CPMs) and individuals selling fertiliser,” he said.
He said the only requirement is that one must have a guarantor to get fertiliser. He stated that the reason for this is because the government cannot continue losing revenue through individuals who collect fertiliser, sell it and will not pay back.
“So this year, there are criteria such as depositing a compound document or bank guarantee,” he said.
The Minister informed them that the Government has issued a press release warning people against smuggling fertiliser out of the Gambia.
“So the fact that fertiliser is being smuggled out of the country shows that it is cheaper here, regardless of whatever announcement was made. Nonetheless, we have taken note of your concerns, but currently in the sub-region, we have the cheapest fertiliser which has been subsidized over 55 percent by the Government of the Gambia,” Agric. Minister Sabally said.
Minister Sabally told Members that the Government has last week signed a contract for the construction of 40 gardens by GIRAV Project.
“The contracts have been awarded. The gardens are to be completed in the next 12 to 18 months. This will improve the demand for gardens in the country,” he said.
He said his Ministry has projects that are demand driven. He urged the deputies to approach the respective regional agricultural directorates, the Ministry or the Department of Agriculture, on issues regarding gardens.
On concerns to improve payment to farmers, Demba Sabally said it was discussed during the meeting with the farmers. He explained that the Government wished to use Fintex, but many farmers did not like the arrangement. He said the farmers want cash payment, but it is a challenge given the number of people involved.
“We know there is room for improvement in payment and we have taken note of this,” the Minister said.
The Minister said the Ministry distributed rice and maize seeds across the country at no cost to the farmers.
