Dr Demba Sabally has warned secco presidents to pay groundnut farmers or face legal action, stressing that the government of Adama Barrow does not owe farmers any money.

Speaking during a meeting with officials of the Gambia Groundnut Corporation, the Agriculture Minister said responsibility lies solely with cooperative leaders who have failed to pay farmers.

“I want to make it clear that the government owes no farmer a single butut. The secco presidents are the ones owing farmers and they must pay,” he said.

He warned that any secco president found withholding farmers’ money will be taken to court. “The money is not yours. Any secco president who fails to pay farmers will not go scot-free,” he added.

Dr. Sabally said he has already engaged regional authorities, including governors, to ensure affected farmers are paid without delay.

Meanwhile, the minister disclosed that government has ordered 25,000 metric tons of chemical fertilizer and about 10,000 tons of organic fertilizer, expected to arrive before the rainy season.

He also announced an embargo on the importation of potatoes from March 1 to July 1 to protect local farmers and boost production, alongside plans to construct more cold storage facilities with private sector support.

By Adama Makasuba