By Seedy Jobe
The National Assembly Member for Lower Fulladu West, Hon. Gibbi Mballow, says military checkpoints have been established across districts in The Gambia to prevent government-subsidized fertilizer from being smuggled into Senegal’s Casamance region, amid concerns over shortages for local farmers.
Speaking in an interview with Starr TV, Mr. Mballow said the checkpoints were introduced after communities raised concerns that subsidized agricultural inputs intended for Gambian farmers were increasingly being purchased and transported across the border.
He said that while most fertilizer varieties remain available under the government’s subsidy program, urea supplies are currently limited, making it difficult for many farmers to obtain it.
Under the subsidy scheme, farmers pay between 20 and 60 percent of the cost of fertilizer, with the government covering the remaining balance. Mr. Mballow said the price of a bag has been reduced to D1,150 to improve affordability for farmers.
According to the lawmaker, the shortage is driven less by inadequate supply than by cross-border demand.
“Even if more fertilizers are supplied, they will quickly be taken to Casamance,” Mr. Mballow said. “Our own relatives from Casamance come here, buy our fertilizers, and transport them back.”
He said the deployment of military checkpoints is intended to ensure that subsidized fertilizer remains available for Gambian farmers rather than being diverted outside the country.
Mr. Mballow described Upper Fulladu West as one of the country’s key agricultural regions, where farmers cultivate crops including rice, maize, groundnuts, beans, findi, and millet. He attributed the area’s agricultural productivity to its large farming population, particularly among the Wolof and Sarahule communities.
Turning to national politics, Mr. Mballow expressed confidence that President Adama Barrow would secure victory in the 2026 presidential election even if opposition parties united behind United Democratic Party leader Ousainou Darboe.
He also dismissed the electoral prospects of the UNITE, led by Talib Bensouda, arguing that the United Democratic Party remains the country’s only opposition party with substantial nationwide support.
As evidence, Mr. Mballow cited the recently concluded CePRASS survey.
“Whether you love them or hate them, they should be given the credit they deserve,” he said. “The recently concluded CePRASS survey is a testament to that.”
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