By Tabora Bojang on tour
President Adama Barrow has assured farmers that the purchasing prices for groundnuts would be announced soon after his nationwide tour and that there will be no credit buying at the Seccos.
Addressing concerns of farmers in Upper River Region, who complained the long unavailability of cash at various Seccos last year, the president said this year farmers will be paid at the seccos when they present their nuts.
“This would be the first thing on my table when I get back and I can assure you of a good season because the price will be good and there will be no credit buying,” he promised the farmers.
He added that his government is ready to support the farming community with a comprehensive package to grow the economy in the drive to attain food self-sufficiency.
Barrow also promised that farmers will receive fertilizer by subsidies from April.
He added that the government has secured several projects supported by international partners, which are expected to commence as part of an agricultural development strategy.
These, according to the President will include a rice development project, animal feeding project, agricultural education centres, and a project to facilitate provision of storage facilities for farming and vegetable products.
Barrow said the country’s agricultural camps established during late former President Jawara’s government all died under former president Jammeh.
He assured farmers that plans are underway to revive the camps to help increase farmers’ education and enhance their income status.
