Gambiaj.com – (Upper Niumi, The Gambia) – With farmers in Upper Niumi expecting a strong groundnut harvest this year, the district’s Seyfo, Momodou Chatty Cham, has urged President Adama Barrow to increase the producer price of groundnuts so farmers can benefit from improved production.
Seyfo Cham made the appeal at Passi Chally during President Barrow’s Meet the People Tour in the North Bank Region.
He said increased access to fertilizer and farm machinery had encouraged more people to take up farming, while favorable growing conditions had raised expectations for a good harvest.
“Minister of Agriculture, thank you for bringing enough fertilizers for farmers on time. Tractors were distributed all over the country. So, today, you may say you do not know how to farm, but you cannot say you do not have the equipment to farm,” Cham said.
He urged the government to complement the support provided during the farming season by offering farmers a better price when they begin selling their groundnuts.
“I am appealing to the President through the Minister of Agriculture. This year, a lot of people have ventured into farming, and Alhamdulillah, the crops are very good, and we are expecting a good harvest. But when the harvest starts, we want you to come to our aid and increase the price of groundnuts. Last year you did it, and this year we also want you to do it again,” he said.
The appeal comes as farmers prepare for the harvest, with Cham arguing that the producer price will be critical in determining how much farmers ultimately gain from the season.
Backing Barrow
Beyond agriculture, Cham used the gathering to express support for President Barrow’s leadership, saying traditional leaders in Niumi consider continuity in government important.
“President Adama Barrow, what I want to tell you on behalf of the Seyfos is that we do not see anyone we can compare with you. We do not see anyone we believe can lead this country other than you,” he said.
Cham also pointed to what he described as improvements in peace and stability, as well as developments in roads, education, healthcare, and agriculture.
He urged voters to assess political leaders carefully rather than allowing personal interests to influence their choices.
“What I want to tell Gambians is that we should not allow people to approach us solely in their own interests just to win our votes. Our political understanding should go beyond that stage,” he said.
Roads and electricity
On electricity, the Upper Niumi Seyfo said access had expanded significantly across the North Bank Region.
He claimed that fewer than 100 of the region’s more than 300 villages currently lack electricity, while in Upper Niumi, he said, no more than six villages remain without access.
Cham also called for the completion of outstanding road projects in Niumi, saying communities expect projects that have already been initiated to be completed.
“All we are asking is that the foundation stone you have laid should be built upon. If you are re-elected, we want you to fulfill your promise to construct the remaining roads,” he said.
The Seyfo further assured President Barrow of support from communities across Lower Niumi, Upper Niumi and Jokadu, saying Alkalolu, women and youths in the areas were prepared for the December 5 presidential election.
He said the level of support would become clearer when voters go to the polls.
For Upper Niumi’s farming communities, however, the immediate concern raised at the meeting was the price farmers will receive for their groundnuts once the harvest reaches the market.
Cham’s appeal puts the producer price at the center of expectations ahead of the harvest, alongside calls for continued investment in roads, electricity and other rural infrastructure.
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