The ongoing groundnut trade season has been widely hailed as the most successful in recent years, with Secco Presidents and stakeholders across The Gambia commending the operational reforms and digital innovations introduced by the National Food Security Processing and Marketing Corporation (NFSPMC).
The Managing Director of NFSPMC, Muhammad Njie, is currently on a nationwide tour engaging Secco leaders and farmers to assess progress and gather feedback. The response has been overwhelmingly positive.
At Mbollet Ba, Secco President Modou Jallow described the season as exceptional, highlighting the introduction of digital systems and mobile money payments. “This season is by far the best we have witnessed. The digitalization and choice of mobile money are perfect,” he said, noting that the high delivery rate helps safeguard national resources.
From Mbollet Ba to Ndofan Alfu, Secco representatives emphasized that trade operations have been smooth, with produce moving efficiently to depots. “The digitalization drive should have been introduced long ago. It is effective, fast, and reliable,” a representative said.
In Fass Nyaga Choi, Secco President Mustapha Joof praised the smooth operations at the Barra depot, noting that farmers are satisfied with the Wave system and the digital screening machines, which are so efficient that they sometimes operate 24 hours a day. Secco member Matt Njie reinforced this view, describing the process as “very effective and fast.”
Addressing stakeholders, MD Njie stressed the importance of embracing innovation. “We must accept innovation because we are moving forward and we want the best for everyone. I am happy with the way the season is going, and I believe this is the best season in our recent history,” he said.
At Touba Angalleh, Secco President Mr. Jallow highlighted the safety benefits of cashless payments. “Previously, handling large sums of cash was risky. Now, with the digital system, we don’t even see physical money,” he explained, while calling for timely access to fertilizer for Seccos.
Secco leaders at Lower Nuimi, Medina Sering Mass, and Medina Daru echoed these sentiments, praising the efficiency, youth participation, and NFSPMC staff support, particularly the dedication of Mr. Fofana.
Other Secco Presidents, including Muhammad Jah of Fass Omar Saho and Abdou Aziz Secka, described the season as “perfect” and lauded the reforms for improving safety, reducing risks, and enhancing operational efficiency. Community leaders also noted visible progress in roads, schools, and electricity projects.
The tour continues, but one message is clear: the digital reforms, cashless payments, and operational improvements have transformed the groundnut trade, marking this season as a landmark success for farmers, Seccos, and the nation.
