The Government of The Gambia has announced that the price of subsidized fertilizer will remain fixed at D1,100 per bag for the 2026 rainy season, despite rising global costs of agricultural inputs.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security, Demba Sabally, during a press conference outlining government support measures for farmers ahead of the cropping season.
Mr. Sabally said the decision forms part of a D1.6 billion fertilizer subsidy programme aimed at protecting farmers from escalating international prices caused by disruptions in global supply chains, particularly those linked to instability in the Gulf region.
“The government further wishes to inform farmers that subsidized fertilizers will be available for purchase through Seccos and authorized private agents located across the country,” the minister said. He urged farmers to purchase fertilizer only from approved vendors to avoid counterfeit products and ensure they pay the official subsidized price.
According to Mr. “The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to boosting agricultural productivity, strengthening food security and protecting the livelihoods of farmers across the country,” Sabally said.
The minister also reiterated measures to cut the abuse and smuggling of subsidized fertilizer. Under the current rules, farmers are limited to purchasing a maximum of 25 bags at a time and fertilizer is still not allowed to be transported across national borders.
Mr Sabally has urged security agencies, regional authorities, district chiefs, farmer organisations and Alikalolu (village heads) to be vigilant and report any suspected smuggling activities.
In a major boost to the agricultural sector, the minister announced that the government has secured 10,000 metric tons of organic fertilizer for free distribution to farmers nationwide. He described the intervention as a significant step toward promoting sustainable agriculture, improving soil fertility, and reducing production costs for farmers.
“The government recognizes the vital role farmers play in driving national food security, employment creation and economic growth,” Mr. Sabally said.
The minister further disclosed that the government, in partnership with international development partners, will provide additional agricultural inputs and support services covering approximately 20,082 hectares of farmland across the country. The programme is expected to benefit about 1,500 communities in The Gambia’s seven agricultural regions at a combined cost of D240 million shared between the government and donor partners.
The rainy season, which typically runs from June to October, marks the country’s main agricultural period. Production of key crops such as groundnuts, millet and maize depends heavily on the timing and distribution of seasonal rainfall.
