The
president of National Livestock Owners’ Association (NaLOA) Ebrima O. Jallow
has called on the new government of President Adama Barrow to establish a
Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Beekeeping.
He
said this ministry would specially take care of livestock and livestock
farmers.
NaLOA
secretary general, Modou Sowe, said livestock issues are under the Department
of Livestock Services and the Gambia Livestock Marketing Agency of the Ministry
of Agriculture.
He
noted that these institutions are working tirelessly in the development of
farmers but mostly focuses on crop producer development.
“This
has caused Gambians not to fully utilise their potentials in the production of
livestock and livestock products,” he said.
“The
lack of support to the livestock sector has affected every resident of The
Gambia through ever increasing cost of meat and milk nationwide, and the high
cost and limited supply of livestock during Tobaski.”
NaLOA
West Coast Region chairperson Bakary Dembo Santang Bojang said the
establishment of the proposed ministry of livestock that would promote youth
and women employment, and economic independency.
NaLOA
women mobiliser Aja Matty Nyangado and the fourth national vice president,
Lamin Jatta, said as farmers, they voted for the development of The Gambia and
that is the development of their livelihood as livestock farmers.
On
behalf of the association, the duo congratulated President Adama Barrow on his
victory and assured him of their support in the development of The Gambia
especially the livestock sector.
