The government of Gambia is accused of taking 3 kg of every bag of groundnuts from farmers. But the National Food Security Processing and Marketing Corporation (NFSPMC) makes it clear that the “seccos” are the only ones accountable for purchasing groundnuts directly from the farmers.

The NFSPMC explains that the government has no direct involvement in the sale, weighing, or transportation of groundnuts from farmers to “seccos,” who buy them directly. Therefore, it is the responsibility of “seccos” to handle the entire process.

Actually, according to a press statement from the National Food Security Processing and Marketing Corporation (NFSPMC), the government holds farmers and “seccos” accountable.

The company claims that it hired Seccos to buy clean groundnuts, but these are frequently tainted with stones, dust, and other foreign objects, which causes a direct impact on their weight and can occasionally result in a loss of up to 9 kg. This weight reduction could have a significant impact on groundnut quality and profitability.

Therefore, the corporation urges secco presidents to screen groundnut consignments and separate foreign material in accordance with The Gambia’s Adulteration of Produce Act. The President of The Gambia, Adama Barrow, announced an unprecedented groundnut price, urging citizens to join hands for a successful trade season.

The corporation is urging the public to double-check any information related to its mandate, reminding them of its open-door policy.