Speking ahead of the meeting, the chairman of UNESCO Clubs and Centres, Mr. Muhamed Fayinteh, spoke at length on the importance of the meeting. He said that the meeting is timely as the farmers are now at a time of harvest. He further stated that alfatoxin is a mycotoxin, produced by aspergillus flavus and aspergillus’ parasiticus fungi, which affects green legumes and cereal crops and can have a harmful effect on humans and animals.

He further added that ground nuts are the chief cash crop and are widely consumed by the majority of Gambians. He said that aflatoxins should be of great concern to each and every Gambian as it is in fact a poison.

For his part, the chairman of the National Allience for Youths in Conflict and Emergency, Mr. Fabakary Kalled, called for concerted efforts to be made to create awareness of the dangers of alfatoxin and possible prevention methods. He said that they are on a countrywide tour to sensitise all farmers on the dangers of alfatoxin and the possible ways to prevent alfatoxins.

The vote of thanks was given by the lady councillor of Bansang Ward Mrs. Amie Ceesay.