Gambia
Technical Training Institute (GTTI) handed over 149 horse drawn shine hoes to
the Ministry of Agriculture, at a ceremony held at the institute’s grounds on
Monday.
The
149 horse drawn shine hoes were manufactured by local artisans, NARI,
Department Of Agriculture and GTTI.
The
farm implements were handed over to the Minister of Agriculture for onward
transmission to farmers.
In
receiving the implements, the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Omar Jallow,
commended the management of GTTI, saying what they are witnessing was a close
collaboration between his ministry and GTTI, which is a national institution.
Minister
Jallow pointed out that most countries that are presently advanced used to
import all the equipment of agriculture from institutions like the GTTI.
He
thanked the GTTI for living up to expectations, saying he hoped that one day
Gambia would have a university of technology, which would be GTTI to produce
all the things the state needs.
He
said that with the new government they have a new focus, a new mission and a
new vision for Gambia, because Gambia is a small country and it’s always easier
to manage something small than something big.
In
her remarks, the Director General of GTTI, Jahou Bah-Faal, said the Department
Of Agriculture, NARI, GTTI and Artisan came together to form a taskforce using
GTTI.
She
said the Gambian government recognizes the importance of strengthening the GTTI
mandate, adding that she was grateful to the government of The Gambia through
the ministry of Agriculture.
“We
hope to have more collaboration in the future and will assure we live up to
expectations,” she said.
The
permanent secretary at the Ministry of Higher Education, Dr Cherno Omar Barry,
said they applauded the Ministry of Agriculture for trusting the GTTI to do job
and assured the minister that the institution is ready to intervene in many
other areas with regards to producing farm implements and other accessories for
farmers and livestock keepers.
“We
need to give people the opportunity they need to succeed or a helping hand, if
they need one. We have to create a climate for innovation that encourages
companies and research centers,” he stated.
