Farmers in Jokadu who were left unpaid after delivering their groundnuts during the 2025 farming season have started receiving their outstanding payments, with the National Food Security Processing and Marketing Corporation (NFSPMC) announcing the release of between D1.2 million and D1.6 million to settle the affected farmers.

The payment follows complaints from farmers in Alajikairu where some said they supplied their produce through a buying point but were not paid.

Speaking to journalists at the corporation’s office in Banjul on Monday, NFSPMC Deputy Managing Director Lamin Sanyang said the government directed the corporation to intervene and ensure that the farmers receive their money.

“We are pleased to announce that today we are finally paying the farmers that were affected by the purchase of their farm produce at one of the circles around Jokadu, particularly Alajikaidu,” Mr Sanyang said.

He alleged that the circle president responsible for the buying point received both the farmers’ groundnuts and funds meant for payment but failed to settle the farmers.

“The circle president was claiming that he did not receive the money, which was not true, because this year GDC had enough money,” he said.

Mr Sanyang said the delay affected farmers and the corporation because farmers were left without payment while NFSPMC did not receive the groundnuts that had already been collected.

He warned farmers against leaving their produce with buying agents without receiving payment, saying funds are normally available to pay farmers immediately after delivery.

“Let them not be fooled by any circle president, because the money is always available for them to be paid instantly when they take their groundnuts to the circle,” he said.

The NFSPMC official said the corporation provides sufficient funds to buying centres, explaining that each allocation can amount to nearly D2 million for the purchase of about 50 tonnes of groundnuts.

He said the corporation has introduced monitoring measures to reduce cases of delayed payments, noting that the number of affected farmers has declined compared to previous years.

Mr Sanyang said last year the corporation paid nearly D25 million to farmers whose payments were delayed, but stronger controls have helped reduce such incidents this season.

He also disclosed that some cases involving other buying centres are being investigated, with affected farmers encouraged to report complaints to relevant authorities.

“We expect other circles around Elara to do the same process as these Jokadu farmers did – report it to an authority,” he said.

Mr Sanyang said files on some cases have already reached the Attorney General’s Chambers, and individuals found responsible could face prosecution.

He assured farmers that NFSPMC will continue improving its systems to ensure timely payments and protect confidence in the country’s groundnut marketing system.

By Adama Makasuba