Modou Sowe, NALOA secretary generalhighlighted the negative impact the deadly pandemic has caused livestock dealers, saying the closure of “lumos” is now getting to five months.
According to him, the closure of “lumos” has greatly affected livestock farmers with regards to animals dealingand/or exchange of goods for animals and other income generation through “lumos”.
He expressed their willingness to maintain meat and milk tariffs to help consumers have access to such products.
“Government needs to know that without “lumos”, the main market (Abuko) will not be functional as expected”, he stated, adding that without “lumos” it will be difficult for Gambian citizens to have access to meat and other livestock products.
He therefore appealed to government to consider the plight of farmers in re-opening “lumos” for farmers to be able to sell their livestock.
Mr Sowe also appealed to government to support the livestock sector to enable farmers revive their businesses.
He pointed out that if the country’s youth are supported, we can produce for our demand and by extension export to other countries.
Lamin Darboe secretary general Gambia Livestock Dealers Association (GALDA)observed that government has relaxed restriction on other markets but still maintains its stand on the closure of “lumos”.
He highlighted that among the 29 nationwide “lumos”, only three are operational which are within the Greater Banjul Area.
Ebrima O. Jallow president of NALOA said the closure of “lumos” has caused a negative impact on the entire Agricultural livestock value chain.
“All sectors in The Gambia are enjoying except the livestock,” he noted, describing the act by government as unfair to farmers.
He therefore appealed to government to consider the plight of farmers and re-open “lumos” across the country as their survival depends on it.
“Covid-19 has caused devastating effect on our economic and the livestock is no exception,” he concluded.
