A lack of storage facilities compelled Watermelon Vendors to pack at the Roadside

Although the watermelon business is a lucrative venture for farmers and vendors storage facilities are a key hindrance.
In an interview with the New Global Media farmers and vendors expressed frustration about the heavy losses they incur due to storage predicament.
Most of the vendors we met are farmers from rural Gambia who said they could make huge profits from watermelon if they had proper storage facilities.
” I have been selling for 5 years now but income is still low. I a lot of money pay for transportation to the Greater Banjul Area. Due to lack of storage, most watermelons get spoiled, ” Lamin Manbureh said.
Buba Jaw, a Farmer who transports watermelon from Niamina asserted the damages he got this year alone is more than twenty thousand dalasis.
Khalifa Njie, another urges The Kanifing Municipal Council to assist in providing storage facilities for the vendors.
” This is a seasonal produce; the council should have made provision for us; hence, we are taxpayers too.”
The lack of storage facilities for farmers and vendors remains a pressing issue that many say needs to be addressed. With the right infrastructure and support, the watermelon industry in The Gambia has the potential to thrive even further, benefiting all stakeholders involved.
Amidst the challenges and successes of the watermelon season, the resilience and dedication of Gambian farmers and vendors shine through. As they navigate the complexities of the market, one thing remains clear – the sweet taste of success is within reach with the right resources and support in place.