Chief of Jokadou Raises Concern Over Resale of Subsidized Fertilizer to Senegal

By Omar Cham

KUNTAYA, The Gambia — The Chief of Jokadou, Alhaji Alpha Mairam Khan, has raised concerns over the alleged resale of government-subsidized fertilizer by some Gambian farmers to neighbouring Senegal, warning that the practice could be contributing to shortages of the vital agricultural input.

Chief Khan made the remarks in Kuntaya on the first day of President Adama Barrow’s nationwide foundation-laying and inauguration tour.

The Chief noted that the government made fertilizer available to Gambian farmers at a highly affordable price of D1,100 per bag to support agricultural production and ease the burden on farmers. However, he expressed concern that some beneficiaries allegedly resell the fertilizer across the border to neighboring Senegal for profit.

According to the Chief, this practice has contributed to a shortage of fertilizer in the region, forcing Gambian farmers to travel to Senegal to purchase the same agricultural input at significantly higher prices—reportedly between D2,000, D2,500 and even D3,000 per bag.

He emphasized that farmers should not blame the government or President Barrow when they struggle to access fertilizer, if some beneficiaries are themselves contributing to the shortage by reselling subsidized inputs.

Chief Alpha Mairam Khan therefore called on Gambians to change their habits and adopt responsible and patriotic practices that will contribute to the development and betterment of the country.

He stressed that government support programmes are designed to benefit Gambians, particularly farmers, and urged beneficiaries to use such assistance for its intended purpose rather than exploiting it for personal profit.