By Momodou Kanteh, Information Officer MoA
The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) on Wednesday, 8 April 2020, received the first stock of two thousand (2000) metric tons of compound fertiliser NPK 6:20:10.
Speaking to journalists at the jetty in Banjul, the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Amie Fabureh said she’s happy about the timely availability of fertilizer in the country as promised by the Government of The Gambia.
She applauded the management of National Food Security Processing and Marketing Cooperation known as former (GGC), and the contracting committee for their hard work and dedication to ensure that the deadline given to bring the fertilisers is being fulfilled.
“I want to assure our famers that whatever they request from the Ministry of Agriculture,… or even the head of state, we will do everything possible to ensure that is timely available,” the Minister said.
Responding to questions from journalists, Madam Fabureh informed that eleven thousand (11,000) metric tons of different fertilisers of compound fertilizer (15:15:15:4, 6:20:10) and urea nitrogen fertilizer (46%) should cover the whole of the farming community in the country.
However, she cautioned that due diligence has to be done to ensure that the fertiliser is not sold outside the country, saying because that was the reason why it was not enough for the farmers, last year.
The Permanent Secretary (PS) at the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Momodou Mbye Jabang, believed the provision of the fertilisers would give confidence to the farming community. He disclosed that the Minister has given assurances that she and her team would ensure that fertilisers and other farming inputs are given to farmers on time.
“Our government and Ministry told farmers in April, and April is here, the fertilisers are here,” PS Jabang remarked.
The Managing Director of the National Food Security Processing and Marketing Cooperation, Mr. Muhammed Njie, said his institution was tasked with the responsibility to procure and deliver eleven thousand (11,000.00) metric tons of fertilisers to the farming community before the commencement of the rainy season.
He stated that the institution has started to make that delivery with the first consignment of 2000 metric tons. Njie pointed out that before the end of May, all the fertilisers ordered are expected to be in the country.
