National Food Security, Processing and Marketing Corporation (NFSPMC) Deputy Managing Director Lamin L. Sanyang has warned Secco presidents over delays in paying farmers for groundnuts, saying those responsible could face legal action.

Sanyang issued the warning during a meeting with farmers who raised concerns about outstanding payments for groundnuts they had already delivered to some Seccos.

The farmers told the NFSPMC official that they were still waiting for their money, prompting questions over the handling of payments at some collection points.

But Sanyang rejected suggestions that the delays were the result of a shortage of funds, arguing that money had regularly been provided to Seccos to pay farmers.

“For him to say that there is no money is a lie because we used to supply money to Seccos every week. Even in his remarks, he felt guilty,” Sanyang said.

He said the responsibility for ensuring farmers are paid lies with the leadership of the respective Seccos and warned that the corporation would take a stronger position against such practices.

“This is the bad job of the Secco president. But this would be the last for such thing to happen again,” he said.

Sanyang also cautioned farmers against handing over their groundnuts without receiving payment, stressing that they should not allow their produce to be taken on credit.

He reminded them that the government had already communicated that groundnuts should not be purchased on credit during the current trading season.

“Do not sell your groundnuts at any Secco president without being paid,” he told the farmers.

The advice comes amid concerns from farmers who say delayed payments are putting pressure on households that depend on income from the annual groundnut trade.

For many farming families, payment for groundnuts is crucial for meeting household expenses, settling debts and preparing for the next farming season.

Sanyang said the latest complaints would be taken seriously and indicated that the NFSPMC was prepared to pursue appropriate measures against Secco officials found to have failed in their responsibilities.

His comments suggest that the corporation is moving towards a more stringent approach to accountability within the groundnut purchasing system, particularly where farmers’ money is concerned.

By Adama Makasuba