His Excellency, the President Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya Jammeh has announced that the Kanilai Farms will purchase livestock acquired by the Gambia Livestock Marketing Agency for resale at fixed prices of 50 and 70 dalasis for a kilo of meat and bone and steak respectively during the holy month of Ramadan.

The president made the remarks recently at a meeting with officials of the Gambia Livestock Marketing Agency at State House. He also disclosed that the Kanilai Farm Bakery will sell bread at D3.50 dalasis for a loaf.

The President however noted that the hiking of prices of basic commodities, especially meat is a concern to government and pointed out that the country will not be held to ransom by few who will use the occasion of the month of Ramadan and other religious feasts to create artificial shortages in the markets.

The President used the opportunity to reiterate government's resolve to intensify the fight against the trafficking of illicit drugs and related crimes. His interventions attracted wide comments from Cabinet with particular emphasis in not only the announced reduction in prices of meat at the Kanilai Farms for the duration of the Ramadan but also the drug menace infiltrating the school system.

Dr. Davis Carrayol and Dr. Demba Jallow, the Agency's Chairman and Director General respectively were grateful for the President's support and continuous patronage. In line with the authority it has been given to enter into the cattle trade, the agency has for a start flooded the market with over one hundred cattle. This is part of wider efforts to stabilise the market price for meat.

In a separate engagement, the Gambian leader disbursed an amount of D200, 000 as sponsorship for a local Drama entitled "Koma Silo" for airing by the national broacaster. The 10 episodes done by Bolong Dalla Cultural Group seeks to not only highlight the risk of illegal entry into europe but also to erase the illusion that continues to cloud the minds of the youthfolk.

The President also pledged to sponsor the Wollof series "Ndey Yassin" for airing and in addition promised to provide the national broadcaster a camera for use in the productions of local dramas, as means of enhancing and protecting growing local interest in the enterprise.