The Minister of Agriculture, Demba Sabally, has called for an immediate end to the illegal cross-border fertilizer trade, describing it as a major setback to the country’s agricultural ambitions.
Speaking on Saturday during the President’s “Meet the People Tour” in Sanunding, Kantora District, the minister said government-subsidised fertilizer is being diverted into neighbouring countries instead of reaching the farmers it is meant to support.
According to him, the practice weakens ongoing efforts to raise crop yields and improve rural livelihoods. He noted that the subsidised fertilizer is supplied to help farmers cultivate their fields, particularly rice and vegetable gardens, which remain central to national food security.
“Some residents continue to sell fertilizer supplied by the government to support rural farmers across the border, undermining national agricultural objectives,” Sabally said.
He urged communities to take a more active role in stopping the trade, encouraging residents to act as “watchdogs” and report any attempts to smuggle the product out of the country. He said community involvement is essential for protecting public resources and ensuring that government support reaches the intended beneficiaries.
Sabally also highlighted the government’s recent investments in the sector, including fertilizer distribution and the provision of tractors and power tillers. These initiatives, he said, are designed to raise productivity and improve the economic well-being of farming families across the country.
The minister stressed that achieving food security requires both government investment and responsible community participation. He warned that the illegal sale of subsidised fertilizer threatens progress at a time when national expectations for the farming season remain high.
