Africa-Press – Gambia. The National Food Security Processing and Marketing Corporation (NFSPMC) has taken a major step toward modernizing The Gambia’s groundnut sector by launching motorized groundnut screening machines and Point-of-Sale (POS) devices.
The unveiling, held at the Corporation’s headquarters in Banjul on Friday, brought together government officials, Secco managers, and farmer representatives. NFSPMC Managing Director Muhammad Njie described the initiative as a decisive move toward “a more efficient, transparent, and farmer-centered” groundnut industry.
“Today is not just about new machines or new devices—it is about a partnership,” Njie said. “It is about NFSPMC standing firmly with our farmers.”
The new motorized screening machines are expected to improve cleaning and grading at the community level, reducing post-harvest losses, enhancing quality, and increasing the market value of farmers’ produce. Njie emphasized that bringing modern technology closer to farming communities is central to NFSPMC’s strategy to boost productivity at the secco level.
In a significant reform, NFSPMC also introduced POS machines to facilitate digital payments during the buying season. The system is designed to enhance transparency, reduce cash-handling risks, and ensure faster and safer payments to farmers. Njie noted that the digital shift aligns with the Government’s broader vision of a technology-driven agricultural sector.
The Corporation will provide training and technical support to ensure the smooth adoption and maintenance of both the new machinery and the digital payment system, Njie added, stressing that proper usage will determine the success of the reforms.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security Hon. Demba Sabally called the new measures “a new beginning for the groundnut sector and a new chapter in the lives of our farmers.” He praised the Secco Presidents for their cooperation and thanked farmers for their vital role in national food security.
“These investments are for you,” the Minister told farmers. “Without your hard work, there is no groundnut sector, no NFSPMC, and no agricultural growth.”
The ceremony concluded with a call for all stakeholders to collaborate closely with NFSPMC to ensure the responsible and effective use of the new technology for the benefit of farming communities nationwide.
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