Mr. Sulayman Ben Suwareh questioned the rationale behind the tractors that President Barrow has promised to the farmers during the visit of the Mandinka elders to State House.
According to the President, he will provide a number of tractors for the farmers. The farmers will then be responsible for paying 25% of the tractors, while the government will cover another 25%. The questions that need to be addressed are, what is the cost of a tractor? Will farmers be able to afford the 25% down payment? Who will cover the remaining 50%? Mr. Suwareh enquired.
No resources are given to Gambian farmers without cost, not even fertilisers. The government consistently manages to exploit farmers and profit at their expense. Mr. Suwareh stated.
This government is able to offer free luxury vehicles to the close associates of President Barrow, yet it cannot provide even a single tractor at no cost to the Gambian farmers.
The Gambian farmers must be provided with all their needs, as they are the ones who nourish the nation. President Barrow did promise the Banjul Muslim elders funding and new vehicles; why can’t he extend the same support to the Gambian farmers? Mr. Suwareh enquired.
If this government is genuinely committed to addressing food insecurity, they could have established a farmers’ cooperative that allows them to invest their resources in a collective approach for mutual benefit. Mr. Suwareh added.
