During the audience, President Barrow assured of his Government's commitment to promoting agriculture, stressing the importance of farming in fighting poverty and ensuring food security. "We do not import groundnut and coos because we grow them. If we are serious about rice production, we would not have ships docking to bring rice into the country." He observed.
The President further informed the Farmer's Union that his Government prioritises infrastructure to develop Agriculture by focusing on land rehabilitation and constructing canals in rice fields. He also announced high-level engagements to support rice production in the country.
The speakers expressed joy with the new fertiliser price this year and thanked the President and his Government for taking such a bold and important decision. They argued that the current market price for cereal reflects the highfertiliser cost in 2022, pledging to sell their products to the GGC while calling for storage facilities to preserve and market local products. To maintain and ensure fertiliser is accessible to the farmers in the country, they assured to watch out for any attempt to resell it outside the country.
The Farmers' Unions used the opportunity to thank the Gambia Groundnut Corporation – GGC Management for the constant engagement and the Ministry of Agriculture for the early distribution of improved rice varieties to their members.
The Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Dr Demba Sabally, commended the Union for recognising the Government's efforts to make life easier for Gambians. He revealed that to support livestock farmers; the Barrow Government has provided D55 million to facilitate the availability of livestock for the upcoming Tobaski Ram Sale.
The Speakers included the Union's President, Alieu Bah of Medina Daru, Vice President Alhajie Ceesay of Niamina Pateh Sam, Secretary Modou Njie of Fass Omar Saho, treasurer Modou Mala Kah of Medina Sering Mass, Assistant PRO, Amara Tunkara of Suduwol, Farmers' Advocate, Pa Nderry Touray, amongst others.
