President Barrow with the Minister of Agriculture Presenting Cheque to the Farmers
By Fatou Sillah
President Adama Barrow has presented a cheque amounting to Fifteen Million Seven Hundred Seventy-One Thousand Dalasis to 43 farmers from the Lower and Central Badibou constituencies as part of the Girav project’s matching grants initiative.
This generous support aims to assist individuals in the agricultural sector. The presentation took place during a meeting in Kerr Ardo with the residents of Lower and Central Badibou constituencies.
In his remarks, President Barrow emphasized his government’s commitment to supporting the Gambian people.
“My government is here to help people, and I think that’s clear today. The matching grant we are giving, 15 million Dalasis, is being shared to assist people. Additionally, we have allocated nearly three million Dalasis to support women in business, which is a great initiative,” he said.
The president also addressed the issue of groundnut prices, reaffirming his government’s dedication to supporting farmers.
“Last year, the price of groundnuts was favourable to farmers. For every ton purchased, the government paid D18,000, bringing the total price to D38,000 per ton. This was done to ensure that farmers benefited from a fair price. We will continue this support this year, maintaining the same price for groundnuts. We spent a substantial amount of money last year to assist farmers. I am willing to do whatever it takes to support the groundnut farmers,” he added.
President Barrow also urged farmers to sell their groundnuts directly to the government rather than individuals.
“I want you to sell your groundnuts to the government body that purchases them. If the government is helping you, it is only fair that you also support the government. Given the current situation in the country, the government must continue to support the people,” he stated.
Furthermore, the president highlighted the government’s subsidy on fertilizers as a key factor in improving agricultural yields. He explained that the government’s provision of fertilizers at a reduced price has contributed significantly to the success of this year’s harvest.
“We purchased large quantities of fertilizer, which last year cost D2,700 per bag. We sold it to farmers for D1,100, meaning the government subsidized D1,600 per bag to make it affordable. This support has played a crucial role in ensuring good harvests. So, when you harvest a bumper crop of groundnuts, remember that the government’s contribution through subsidized fertilizers made it possible,” he said.