By Adama Makasuba
The Ministry of Agriculture has said is facilitating the supply of 13,000 tons of fertilizer to support smallholder farmers
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry has approved OCP Africa’s commitment to supply 13,000 tons of fertilizers at a special price to the Ministry of Agriculture for 13,000 smallholder farmers.
“The programme is a special initiative of the King of Morocco, His Majesty Mohammed VI. The Kingdom of Morocco has committed to implementing a comprehensive, coherent policy toward African sister nations based on greater economic cooperation
“The smallholder farmers are essential to the agricultural sector in The Gambia. However, they are mainly affected by the ramifications of the Russia-Ukraine war; especially in terms of fertilizer prices, and the situation is disastrous for food security,” the Ministry said.
“OCP Africa is a Pan-African company committed to food system transformation in the continent. Relating to their activities and experience in other African countries, they wish to establish a strategic partnership with the Republic of The Gambia to deploy their farmer-centric programmes, allowing smallholder farmers better access to inputs, markets, financing, and training in good agricultural practices. A team would be constituted by the Ministry of Agriculture to collaborate with OCP Africa to ensure the successful implementation of this operation.
“Agriculture is one of the most important sectors of the Gambian economy, the ministry renews its commitment to relentlessly consolidate the gains that have been registered in the sector. The Ministry is still committed to developing and modernising the sector sustainably. The farmers are the most important players in the agricultural chain hence their well-being remains the core mission at the Ministry of Agriculture,” the ministry disclosed.