PRICE OF FERTILISER REDUCED BUT…

Abdoulie G. Dibba The farmers in Lower Fulladou West have said that though the price of fertilizer has been reduced from D1, 250 to D750 for cash buying and D800 for credit buying, the procedure of buying the fertilizer is still a problem for them.They made the disclosure to this reporter during the latter’s recent tour of the farming community in order to assess their level of preparedness regarding the forthcoming rainy season and the challenges. According to the farmers, the conditions attached for one to buy fertilizer is that one has to have a Gambian National Identity Card, an Alkalo’s certificate bearing the District Head’s stamp and the Governor’s stamp. The farmers added that if one fulfills all the above requirements, one is then allowed to buy only four bags of fertilizer from Sapu. Alhagi Boye, a farmer in his 50s, said he has no problems with the precondition to provide a Gambian national identity card but to be entitled to buy only four bags is what is unfavourable to the farmers who cultivate five or more hectares. “The four bags will lead to low usage of fertiliser by some of us who cultivate five to ten hectares,” said Boye, adding “the Government should revisit the decision and consider those who have to cultivate more hectares.”]]>