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toubab1020
12238 Posts |
 Posted - 29 Nov 2020 : 15:04:10
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https://standard.gm/illiassa-nam-asks-farmers-to-boycott-2021-election-if/
By Tabora Bojang on November 26, 2020
The National Assembly Member for Illiassa has called on farmers to boycott the upcoming presidential election if the government “refuses” to consider their welfare.
Dembo Camara made these remarks at the commencement of plenary debates on the 2021 budget estimates tabled by the minister of finance for consideration and approval.
Camara rejects the government’s budget estimates for 2021, saying it fails to address major concerns in the long neglected agricultural sector in favour of infrastructure and other areas.
He argued that the continuous decrease in agricultural expenditure in the past budgets manifests Barrow government’s reluctance to invest in agriculture and non-commitment to enhance the living conditions of farmers.
“I am totally rejecting this budget estimate. It is a sham and does not speak for the farmers.
If we want this country to move, I think we should try and empower the Ministry of Agriculture but the most disappointing part of this draft is that, money allocated to agriculture compared to other ministries is definitely not good,” Camara said.
The Illiassa lawmaker said he is not against any development in terms of infrastructure, but since farmers are the most important players in development, the government must invest more funds into the agricultural sector for the country to become more productive.
“I want to encourage all the farmers whether groundnut growers or gardeners or livestock dealers that if the government refuses to consider your welfare, boycott the 2021 election so that we will know if this government is more powerful than masses.”
Meanwhile, the Assembly Finance and Public Accounts Committee has recommended a slice of D1.04 billion from the D22. 1 billion estimates tabled by Mambury Njie.
The committee warned that the budget estimates represent a deficit of D6 billion which if remained unsliced, will significantly widen the country’s debt distress and continuous spending spree.
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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toubab1020
12238 Posts |
Posted - 02 Dec 2020 : 10:37:55
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https://foroyaa.net/5700-dalasi-price-subsidy-for-groundnuts-what-is-the-world-market-price/
December 1, 2020
According to GGC, Government has introduced 5700 Dalasis per metric ton as price subsidy for the purchase of groundnuts during the 2020 / 2021 trade season.
This gives the impression that the GGC is buying groundnuts at a loss and Government is putting 5700 dalasis in the hands of the farmers that they have not earned.
Foroyaa would want this mindset to be changed. The fact that private Chinese companies are paying up to 26000 dalasis per metric ton of groundnuts confirms that farmers are not being subsidised.
The world market price for shelled groundnuts is far above the producer price in the Gambia. Foroyaa will show the huge gap between the world market price and the producer price of groundnuts. Groundnut consumption has been growing. China and India have become the largest consumers and exporters of groundnuts.
Hence, companies are cashing on buying at low prices in countries like the Gambia in order to reap more from the world market. We are yet to develop the knowledge base to protect our farmers. |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Momodou
Denmark
11513 Posts |
Posted - 05 Dec 2020 : 20:59:32
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FOROYAA GETS THE WORLD MARKET PRICE FOR GROUNDNUTS FROM GAMBIA: IT IS $820 (D42,000) PER METRIC TON.
Since the first Republic, institutions established by the state to manage the affairs of the groundnut sector always give secco prices for groundnuts without indicating the world market price. If there is a genuine cooperative union for farmers, they should be able to elect representatives who would be consulted annually by the state authorities to determine the secco price after public announcement of the World Market Price. This however has not happened since Gambia attained the right to Self-Determination and Independence.
The state keeps the world market price secret while giving the impression that it is subsidising the price. Foroyaa will not relent in digging out the world market price for groundnuts from the Gambia and publishing its findings on an annual basis. The authorities will then be contacted to express their opinion on the world market price. |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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toubab1020
12238 Posts |
Posted - 05 Dec 2020 : 21:12:49
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RESULT
The Farmers MUST take note of this advice if they are to improve their standard of living.
quote:
Originally posted by Momodou
FOROYAA GETS THE WORLD MARKET PRICE FOR GROUNDNUTS FROM GAMBIA: IT IS $820 (D42,000) PER METRIC TON.
Since the first Republic, institutions established by the state to manage the affairs of the groundnut sector always give secco prices for groundnuts without indicating the world market price. If there is a genuine cooperative union for farmers, they should be able to elect representatives who would be consulted annually by the state authorities to determine the secco price after public announcement of the World Market Price. This however has not happened since Gambia attained the right to Self-Determination and Independence.
The state keeps the world market price secret while giving the impression that it is subsidising the price. Foroyaa will not relent in digging out the world market price for groundnuts from the Gambia and publishing its findings on an annual basis. The authorities will then be contacted to express their opinion on the world market price.
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 05 Dec 2020 21:21:26 |
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toubab1020
12238 Posts |
Posted - 07 Dec 2020 : 23:36:23
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https://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/editorial/good-morning-mr-president-listen-to-farmers
Dec 7, 2020, 1:32 PM
Mr. President, today marks the first day of nationwide tour dubbed: ‘Meet the People’s Tour’ which could last for two weeks as required by constitution.
Pertinent on the agenda is Agriculture on which famers are expected to tell about what they expect from your government to facilitate the sales of their produce particularly groundnuts and to help them with fertilisers and equipment. So please take time to listen to them and think of a common solution to their challenges. The tour is not meant for politics, it’s about you getting first-hand information from the ordinary citizens and you finding solutions.
People will be talking about the need for electricity and water supply, good roads, health centers, hospitals, ambulances and even education among others.
Mr. President more security is needed for the populace since armed robbers have started attacking people again in their houses and carting away their properties.
We were informed about two incidents; one being 26 November 2020, where a Supreme Court judge and her daughter fell victim. The mobile phones of the judge and jewelries were all reportedly stolen despite two security guards being on duty.
In the other, a Syrian doctor was attacked by armed robbers. Now as we enter the month of festivities, the security personnel should double their efforts for rounding up during nights to blunt the effect suspected criminals.
Mobility should be made easy for them and also mobile phones and credit. Security personnel should monitor places like Westfield Cooperative and Coastal Roads for bandits are known for pick-pocketing and bag-snatching.
Mr. President, the armed robbers wear masks with spray gas, wield cutlasses and pistols to eliminate their victims in case of resistance and take their belongings.
Police should have special numbers for people to give them tip-offs, information about what is happening or about to happen their areas.
The Gambia is known for peace and hospitality. Few groups or rogue elements must not be allowed to tarnish the name of the country. People should cooperate with the police to make their jobs easier by informing in time and on time of activities.
On COVID-19, Mr. President, we have recorded a spike these few days which signals that the pandemic could resurface. Ministries of Health and Interior should take extra measures to avoid the resurface or second wave of the pandemic.
It’s a wakeup call for everybody not to be complacent about the deadly disease.
Police should go around for people to wear masks in public places. The pandemic has risen up in Senegal and the government there is taking strict measures to control it.
Finally Mr. President, Mr. Mambury Njie, Finance minister has cleared the air for the proposed D54.4 million loan for the MPS.
He told them that "the process used to allocate themselves loans is not ideal."
Mr. President, loan requires some rules: guarantor and collateral and the 16 months which is a short period to repay. Hence it will be difficult if not impossible for them to pay the loan since they have only 16 months before the next election.
April 6, 2022, will be parliamentary elections and government is facing numerous financial problems because of the COVID-19.
The better solution is to wait till 2022 to see how best loans of the MPs could be settled. It’s difficult for a member of parliament to take D1 million and repay it within 16 months, putting into account their basic salaries which is just D22, 500 per month.
Good day!
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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toubab1020
12238 Posts |
Posted - 09 Dec 2020 : 14:55:08
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https://standard.gm/barrow-urges-farmers-not-to-sell-nuts-to-private-buyers0/
By Tabora Bojang on tour December 9, 2020
President Adama Barrow has called on farmers across the country to avoid selling their groundnut to middlemen who are only interested in making profits and instead sell to the government to show gratitude for the immense support rendered to them.
President Barrow made these remarks while addressing large crowds in Nuimi Lamin as he commenced a one-month nationwide tour Monday.
It comes amid growing concerns by farmers over the government’s low pay for groundnut, leading them to look elsewhere in the market. The Government last week announced another rise in the price of a ton to D23,000 now.
“I am calling on all the farmers to sell their groundnut to the government. The middlemen are only interested in making profit out of you, but when the rainy season comes and you need fertilisers, seeds or machinery they [the middlemen] cannot provide it. So sell your groundnuts to the government and snub them so that we can all reap the benefits, since the profit made by the government comes back to the people”, Barrow said.
He said since assuming office in 2017, his government has invested heavily in the farming sector disclosing that this year alone D250 million has been spent to help in subsidising fertiliser for farmers to get a bag for D700.
“Yes, it is a bumper harvest this year as people call it but that is because of the fertilizer, since our lands have become infertile and the high yield expected would not have been possible without fertilizer. If someone is washing your back, you should also help wash their stomach. The development of this country rests on all of us as Gambians and we should all endeavour to contribute our part to that dimension. This is why I decided to come and talk to the farmers, knowing there cannot be any meaningful development without their contribution,” the president added.
He stated that his government’s support to the farming sector was further manifested when Covid-19 ravaged the economy, with the provision of rice, sugar and other commodities worth over D800 million and also a cash of D6000 to families.
Youths must change mindset about Europe
Meanwhile, President Barrow has called on the youths to change their perception about Europe, saying if he can make it here, they too can.
He was responding to queries made by the Essau Ward Councilor Kebba Jallow, who lamented among host of other issues, the lack of social amenities and opportunities for the youths of the region leading to mass exodus to the back-way in search of greener pastures.
“Yes, social amenities are very important for the development of our youth but they [youths] must also change their mindset about the Europe syndrome and re-energise themselves with confidence that they can make it in The Gambia. I was in Europe but I came back and after 10 years, I have achieved what a lot of people could not in 40 years while in Europe. It is very sad that most of our skills sectors like tailoring, mechanical works, fishing and baking are foreign dominated. Why can’t Gambian youths do the same?” Barrow asked.
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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toubab1020
12238 Posts |
Posted - 12 Dec 2020 : 15:06:41
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Still not what the farmers want they want their money in CASH when they sell their nuts,but others are reluctent to enable that option,WHY ? I wonder "Dear Reader " any ideas to post ?.
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SNIPPET:
"He confirmed that secco managers have engaged the GGC but to no avail."
https://standard.gm/groundnut-farmers-want-qmoney-service-out-0/
”GGC said they want 40 thousand tonnes this season. Last year, they got only 2,200 tonnes. If this system continues, they might not even get 1,000 tonnes.
”We met last night and agreed that if nothing is done to change the system by Monday, we are withdrawing our staff from the field,” he warned.
By Aisha Tamba
The president of secco managers has said groundnut farmers remain unhappy about the Qmoney service and are demanding it to stop.
Yaya Nyangado, who walked into the Standard offices yesterday, said the farmers have so much reservations about the pace of the process.
”The farmers are complaining that Qmoney services are causing a lot of delays in the field. If a farmer comes with the nuts, the manger weights and tells the farmer that your tonnage is 200kg and your money is D2,500. Then the farmer will go to the Qmoney agent, the agent will ask the farmer whether he has an ID card and a Qcell SIM to register. If the farmer does, then he will take the number and call the Qmoney office here. Those people will do the registration,” he said.
“If they register your number to Qmoney services, they would have to put your cash into that account and later withdraw the cash. The process is not fast and farmers are complaining that they cannot bear it,” he added.
He confirmed that secco managers have engaged the GGC but to no avail.
”GGC said they want 40 thousand tonnes this season. Last year, they got only 2,200 tonnes. If this system continues, they might not even get 1,000 tonnes.
”We met last night and agreed that if nothing is done to change the system by Monday, we are withdrawing our staff from the field,” he warned.
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 12 Dec 2020 22:33:41 |
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toubab1020
12238 Posts |
Posted - 14 Dec 2020 : 20:34:53
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SNIPPET 1:
"Mr Njie also made it clear that farmers are not compelled to sell their groundnut to government."
SNIPPET 2 :
“The Q-Money aspect is just to collect data because we have realised that the GGC was not having data that will inform some of its decisions. The data will help us in terms of aggregating the number of farmers that are selling to the corporation per region, gender among other things. I know it is creating some kind of challenges for the farmers but they are not compelled to give this data,” Njie said."
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https://standard.gm/ggc-boss-defends-new-groundnut-buying-system-0/
Omar Bah
The director general of the Gambia Food, Processing and Marketing Corporation, Mohamodou Njie has strongly defended the new groundnut buying system introduced by government despite reports of farmers being unhappy with the move.
“The presidents and secco managers last week said groundnut farmers remain unhappy about the Qmoney service and are demanding it to stop,” an experienced operator Yaya Nyangado, told The Standard Friday.
But the former GGC boss said the change is meant to ensure transparency and accountability, arguing that the complaints are mainly coming from those who are resisting the change.
He said Agib is contracted to buy groundnut and farmers are paid on the spot without any delay as opposed to what he calls misinformation being circulated by individuals who are resisting the new system.
“The Q-Money aspect is just to collect data because we have realised that the GGC was not having data that will inform some of its decisions. The data will help us in terms of aggregating the number of farmers that are selling to the corporation per region, gender among other things. I know it is creating some kind of challenges for the farmers but they are not compelled to give this data,” Njie said.
The data, Njie added, will help the corporation in its decision-making and will also serve as source of information for the ministries of Finance and Agriculture when they want to implement certain policies.
He said farmers are paid first before the process of taking their information, which he said is also voluntary.
“When I was appointed, the first thing I did was to do a thorough review process and one of the observations we made was that cooperatives lack the governance structures. They are currently managed by one person and normally, a cooperative is supposed to be structured to have a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and a bank account. That is how it used to be in the past,” he added.
He said before, the GGC was giving seccos pre-financing to buy groundnut on their behalf but in most cases, the money is not returned even if they don’t buy the groundnut.
“Sometimes we give them money, they buy the groundnut and resell it and return our money. We were losing hundreds of millions of dalasis. So when I came, I said this cannot continue, we need to do things differently,” he explained.
Mr Njie also made it clear that farmers are not compelled to sell their groundnut to government.
“What we are saying is that those who are coming to the country to buy this groundnut are not registered and they don’t pay taxes, whereas the GGC is registered and paying taxes. This is a loss to the country’s economy. We have an open market. We already have a lot of companies that have applied and our team is processing their applications to ensure that the farmers are not cheated,” he said.
Njie said it is unfair for private buyers to come into the country and buy groundnut and take it to another country when the government had spent over D200 million to subsidise farmers during the rainy season.
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 14 Dec 2020 20:36:55 |
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Nam asks farmers to boycott 2021 election if…
