The National Coordinating Organization for Farmers' Association of The Gambia (NACOFAG) has strongly condemned the recent distribution of untested and unapproved fertilizers by certain political leaders. NACOFAG National President, Mr. Musa Sowe, emphasized that these fertilizers pose severe threats to the nation's farming, soil, and food security. He warned that untested products can destabilize soil pH, destroy beneficial microbes, and cause long-term infertility of farmland.
Mr. Sowe highlighted the risks that farmers face, including economic ruin through crop failure, financial loss, and rejection of their produce in both local and export markets. NACOFAG aligned itself with the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI), the Department of Agriculture, and leading academics in calling for an immediate halt to the spread of unauthorized fertilizers. The association stressed that only products carrying official certification should be used in Gambian fields.
Mr. Sowe drew parallels between agricultural regulation and public health, citing the 2022 contaminated cough syrup scandal that claimed the lives of 70 Gambian children. He warned that toxic components in untested fertilizers can leach into groundwater, contaminate food supplies, and trigger long-term health crises. The statement highlighted additional dangers, including heavy metal contamination, nitrate pollution of drinking water, and toxic algal blooms that threaten both human and livestock communities.
NACOFAG urged the Ministry of Agriculture to adopt strict quality standards, laboratory testing, and field trials before approving any agricultural inputs. The association emphasized the importance of protecting Gambian soils and food systems to safeguard national food security. Mr. Sowe also called on regulatory authorities to enforce strict penalties against the sale of unapproved products.
In its call to action, NACOFAG president urged farmers to reject uncertified fertilizers and report unauthorized vendors to local extension offices. The association also stressed that protecting Gambian soils and food systems is essential to safeguarding national food security. NACOFAG's statement comes as the country prepares for the upcoming December polls.
The distribution of untested fertilizers has raised concerns among farmers, policymakers, and regulatory authorities. The Gambia's agricultural sector plays a vital role in the country's economy, and the use of unapproved fertilizers could have long-term consequences for food security and environmental sustainability. NACOFAG's condemnation of the distribution of untested fertilizers has sparked a national debate on the need for stricter regulations in the agricultural sector.
The association's call for strict quality standards and laboratory testing has been echoed by other stakeholders, including the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) and the Department of Agriculture. The Ministry of Agriculture has yet to comment on the issue, but NACOFAG's statement is expected to prompt a response from the government.
Key points
- NACOFAG condemns distribution of untested fertilizers in Gambia, citing risks to soil, crops, and food security.
- Association urges Ministry of Agriculture to adopt strict quality standards and laboratory testing.
- Farmers urged to reject uncertified fertilizers and report unauthorized vendors.
