This is because the income it generates goes right into its own communities helping to support valuable programmes. However, most people tend to forget that supporting our locally made agric products also helps to create more jobs, thereby contributing to the national economy.
In fact, many would agree that the surest and easiest ways to eradicate hunger and ensure national food security is to be in control of ‘our own’ daily food basket.
It was reported in yesterday’s edition of The Point that the Minister of Trade expressed pride in seeing Made in The Gambia products during his visit to Gambia Milling Cooperation and Nessim Trading, Banjul recently. The visit is part of his ongoing tour to different companies, agencies and departments under his purview.
Around the globe millions of people go to bed hungry or struggle to feed their families daily.
The covid-19 pandemic and Russia invasion of Ukraine have changed the status quo of how life used to be. The aforementioned examples also played a role in worsening the economic situation of some families globally.
We’ve seen a surge in the price of basic food commodities and even shortages of food in some areas.
Besides, the surge in the number of strange ailments around the globe is alarming. Some of these ailments are the result of consuming strange food that is imported elsewhere.
Therefore, local made products have more advantages compared to foreign food, as they are fresh and have many health benefits.
Another aspect is that buying local made food helps create less strain on the environment. In addition to other advantages, it also helps improve one’s family’s health and income.
We saw during the height of the pandemic how some families suffered amid surge in the price of basic food commodities. But we’ve also seen how some families managed to cope with the situation, especially those engaged in small agric businesses.
In essence it even makes you feel ownership seeing your national flag being labelled on locally made products. Therefore, the government should continue to create an enabling environment for businesses, especially those who want to operate locally to be given due consideration as it also helps to strengthen our local economy.
Therefore, boosting or supporting our local made products is even part of sustainable development goals especially in transforming the lives of poor families.
With proven economic and health benefits, it thus is clear that there are enough significant reasons why people should embrace ‘our locally made products.