By: Momodou Gagigo
The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security has officially launched the 2025/2026 Groundnut Trade Season, running from December 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, with the farm-gate price fixed at GMD 38,000 per metric ton – unchanged from the previous season.
In a Cabinet decision taken today, the National Food Security Processing and Marketing Corporation (NFSPMC) has been awarded exclusive rights to purchase and export groundnuts during the first three months of the season. The government has banned all private buyers and businesses from purchasing or exporting groundnuts during this period without the Minister of Agriculture’s explicit authorization.
A statement from the State House quoted President Adama Barrow extending “his best wishes to all farmers for a successful and prosperous trade season.” Security services and the Gambia Revenue Authority have been directed to rigorously enforce the new measures.
The GMD 38,000 price mark marks the second consecutive year at this level, following a significant 18.75% increase from GMD 32,000 in 2023 to GMD 38,000 in 2024. Prices had previously risen from GMD 28,000 per ton in both 2021 and 2022. The government continues to subsidize the difference between the domestic purchase price and higher international market rates to protect farmer incomes.
While the official rate applies at registered secco buying centres, private buyers operating outside the restricted period are free to offer competitive prices. Rural farmers report favourable weather conditions and anticipate a bumper harvest, raising hopes for substantial production volumes.
The three-month exclusive window for NFSPMC aims to stabilise domestic supply and maximise foreign exchange earnings before the market opens to private operators in March 2026. Authorities say the measures will ensure orderly marketing and prevent speculative buying that has disrupted past seasons.
