By Fatou Sillah
A debate in The Gambia’s National Assembly over preparations for the farming season turned contentious on Wednesday after a lawmaker challenged the timing of a motion urging the government to accelerate support for farmers, arguing that the rainy season had already begun and many farmers were already in their fields.
The discussion was prompted by a Matter of the Day introduced by the National Assembly Member for Latrikunda Sabiji, Yahya Menteng Sanyang, who called for urgent government intervention to ensure farmers receive essential agricultural inputs and mechanization support in time for the cropping season.
In his submission, Mr. Sanyang urged the Ministry of Agriculture to expedite the distribution of seeds and fertilizer, improve access to tractors and other farming equipment, and strengthen the management of crop buying centers to avoid delays experienced in previous seasons.
He warned that late delivery of farm inputs and inadequate mechanization could undermine agricultural productivity and threaten national food security.
Mr. Sanyang also cited recurring challenges in previous farming seasons, including delays in crop purchases and logistical shortcomings, saying those issues should be addressed before the peak of the cultivation period.
His intervention, however, drew criticism from the National Assembly Member for Banjul South, Fatoumatta Njie, who questioned why the matter was only being raised after the onset of the rains.
“The rainy season has already started, and farmers have already prepared their land and started work,” Ms. Njie said during the debate. “Pre-season means before, and the rains have already started. I think this is calling for attention.”
She argued that Parliament had sufficient opportunity to address the issue earlier while it was in session, saying discussions on pre-season agricultural planning are most effective before farmers begin cultivation.
The exchange became increasingly tense as members interrupted one another during the debate, prompting the Speaker to intervene and caution Mr. Sanyang to maintain order in the chamber.
The Matter of the Day highlights continuing concerns over the government’s preparedness for the agricultural season, a sector that remains central to livelihoods and food security in The Gambia. Lawmakers have repeatedly called for the timely distribution of farm inputs and improved logistical planning to help farmers maximize production and avoid disruptions during the planting season.
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