|
Momodou
Denmark
11828 Posts |
 Posted - 11 Jun 2006 : 15:40:51
|
FARMERS COMPLAIN
Abdoulie Dibba
Farmers are aggrieved over the poor trade season, which made it difficult for them to make ends meet.
Tamsir Gaye of Kumbya pointed out that they have been neglected by the APRC government over the years, noting their situation has worsened this year. He indicated that before the beginning of the trade season, they were promised that there would be no credit buying and that the trade season would go on smoothly. Tamsir said these promises have not been honoured. He said during the previous season, a bag of rice was given to them on loan by businessmen in their village at a price of D850 per bag and that in most homes in the village, people consume three to four bags coupled with the little coos that they have. He said, because of the credit buying this year, the coos that they harvested has been sold to enable them buy food and other items.
“By the time, our monies would be paid, the cost of coos would automatically go up. So instead of poverty reduction for the farmers, they are increasing our poverty,” he said. Tamsir indicated that he and many of his colleagues were happy when the SoS for Agriculture, Yankuba Touray, said over Radio Gambia that the farmers would be paid before the end of April 2006. “To our disappointment up to date, 20th May 2006, nothing has been paid to us. If the Government cannot buy the groundnut of the farmers, if they cannot provide seeds and fertilizers for the farmers, then what can they do for us?” he asked.
A farmer in Pallen village expressed similar concerns but added that if the development of the infrastructure would create hardship for the people, then it is better to develop the agricultural sector so that the livelihood of the people would be improved. He concluded by calling on politicians to put aside egocentrism and have the interest of the people by doing their best to solve the suffering of the people.
Modou Gaye of Ngayen Sanjal expressed similar concerns. He expressed disgust with the drudgery they encounter daily and called on the government to help them repair their solar panel as it facilitates accessibility to water for them. This reporter talked to many people in the villages mentioned regarding the issues raised by the people and they confirmed the issues as true, regardless of political affiliation.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 43/2006, 5-7 June, 2006
|
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
|
Topic Locked
