The newly appointed Kanilia Family Farm operations and logistic manager, Paul Mandy, recently met rural farmers at their various regions across the country, to discuss burning issues with them concerning the forthcoming cropping season.
The tour was carried out to get firsthand information to see what was actually on the ground as well as to see what has been contributing to the low productivity of farmers’ produce.
Mr. Mendy met with our reporter during the tour in Basse at the Governor’s resident shortly after a closed door meeting with district authorities.
He said that during their closed door meeting with all stakeholders, the farmers praised President Jammeh for his efforts in strengthening the Agricultural sector.
He said that during their meetings, farmers raised many constraints including untimely availability of fertilizer.
Mr. Mendy said the stakeholders are urging the president to look into their plight and help them with fertilisers on time.
“The farmers also appealed to the President through me for him to consider reducing the price of the fertilizer,” he said.
In response, Mr. Mendy expressed dismay at hearing that the fertilisers that were supplied to the regional governor “were not productive at all”.
“I told the farmers, I will report this issue to the permanent secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture. Since it is not in my domain and I will also inform the President about it. I will also appeal to him; I learn that the fertilizer from Japan will soon arrive and I will appeal too on their behalf,” he said.
The issue of proper tractors was also raised by some farmers who complained that the tractors supplied to the Kanilia Family Farm in URR were two-wheel tractors, and in certain rice field, the four-wheel tractors are needed for effective delivery.
Farmers then used the opportunity to appeal to the President to help them more with four-wheel tractors, especially for the Kanilia Family Farm, he said.
Mr. Mendy advised the community to continue their good work saying they had been doing well and should redouble their effort.
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