By Dawda Baldeh
The National Food Security Processing and Marketing Cooperation (NFSPMC) says it lost more than D50 million during the 2024 groundnut marketing season.
Thomos Robert, Director of Strategic Planning and Development, disclosed the figure during a capacity-building session for journalists in Bakau. “In 2024 alone, we lost over fifty million dalasis (D50m) in groundnut sales,” he said.
Robert attributed the losses to malpractice by secco heads. “We provide funds to secco heads, and sometimes they either do not deliver the actual [number] of groundnuts corresponding to the money or the groundnuts they bring are contaminated with particles such as sand and pebbles,” he explained.
He stressed that responsibility lies with secco heads, not groundnut owners, and warned that the situation is causing substantial financial losses for the government.
He also outlined NFSPMC’s initiatives over the past five years, including subsidies on basic food commodities and fertiliser. “Our rice is the most affordable in the country, thanks to the significant subsidies provided by both the cooperation and the government,” Robert said.
A ton of 50kg rice is priced at D38,000, with the government covering D23,000 and NFSPMC contributing D18,000, allowing consumers to buy a bag for D1,900. Fertiliser is similarly subsidised, reduced from D2,950 to D1,050 per 50kg bag.
Robert said these measures are designed to empower farmers and strengthen food security. “We are not a profit-driven institution. This is why we are enhancing our services to tackle the challenges we have faced in the past,” he added.
By Dawda Baldeh The National Food Security Processing and Marketing Cooperation (NFSPMC) says it lost more than D50 million during the 2024 groundnut marketing season. Thomos Robert, Director of Strategic Planning and Development, disclosed the figure during a capacity-building session for journalists in Bakau. “In 2024 alone, we lost over fifty million dalasis (D50m) in The Fatu Network
