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NBR agric directorate holds farmer field day on rice production

Nov 15, 2013, 10:05 AM | Article By: Abdou Rahman Sallah

The regional agricultural director for North Bank Region has spoken on the importance the Department of Agriculture and the Taiwanese Technical Mission attach to food security and sustainable livelihood.

Dr Saikou E. Sanyang was speaking on Thursday in Kerewan during a farmers field day on improved nerica rice.

He noted that the attainment of food self-sufficiency calls for concerted efforts of all stakeholders, and lauded farmers for their support in this noble crusade.

Dr Sanyang praises President Jammeh for his foresight in partnering with the Taiwanese Technical Mission for the attainment of food self-sufficiency in the country.

He lauded the efforts of farmers in the diversification of food production and adoption of extension advice.

He thanked Taiwanese Technical Mission for their support to the president’s quest for food self-sufficiency.

Deputy Governor Mustapha Saidy commended the Department of Agriculture and the Taiwanese Mission for their immense contribution to food security and sustainable livelihood.

Mr Saidy calls on farmers to obtain regular advice from frontline extension workers, noting that it would contribute to and enhance production and productivity as well as reduce post-harvest loss.

He noted with satisfaction the people’s response to the back-to-the-land initiative, and challenges farmers to collect quality seed for next farming season.

George Sunn, Taiwanese Technical Mission adviser for NBR and CRR North, called on farmers to adopt best agricultural practices to enhance production and contribute to poverty reduction.

He disclosed that the new partnership agreement on rice expansion programme aims at enhancing production from 1.5 to 2 tons per hectare for 2013 through 2016.

He applauded President Jammeh for attaching great importance to food production and sustainable livelihood.

Chief Fabala Kinteh reiterates his call on farmers to be proactive and support the noble course of the President. 

He said President Jammeh’s back-to-the-land call would obviously contribute to food availability and promote poverty reduction.

Alasan CMB Bah, Senior Agricultural Officer, noted that 7,789 hectares were put under cultivation by farmers in the region and applauded them for responding positively to the president’s back-to-the-land call.

He noted that all these achievements were registered as a result of the technical cooperation between the Government of The Gambia and the Taiwanese Government.