The government of the Gambia has rescinded the ban on the sale of groundnut by farmers to independent buyers.
A press release from the State House said many independent buyers are offering higher prices to farmers this year, and giving the farmers the opportunity to bargain the buying prices, adding that farmers can now sell their groundnuts to the highest bidders in a bid to increase their purchasing power and to adequately prepare for the next rainy season.
Below is the full text of the release;
It has come to the notice of the Office of the President that many independent buyers of groundnut are offering higher prices to farmers this year, and giving the farmers the opportunity to bargain the buying prices. As the ultimate objective of government is to empower farmers to get maximum benefit out of their farm produces, our earlier press release banning the sale of groundnuts by farmers to independent buyers is hereby rescinded.
Farmers can now sell their groundnuts to the highest bidders in a bid to increase their purchasing power and to adequately prepare for the next rainy season. However, farmers are advised that because the process being offered may be so attractive, they should not sell all their farm produce. They should save some for use as seeds during the upcoming farming season, as well as some money for fertilizer.
Government will not be in a position to continue to offer free seeds and free fertilizers to farmers especially around this time when there is more money for their produce. Those independent buyers out at the fields are strictly being warned to abide by the rules of engagement and ensure that they are fully registered with the Gambia Revenue Authority for the VAT. The law enforcement agencies will monitor compliances and anybody found wanting will be dealt with accordingly.