The president also outlined significant strides in water access and management. His government has drilled 110 solar-powered piped water systems, of which 68 are already serving 142 villages, providing clean drinking water to about 82,896 people, he stated.
He however said the remaining 42 projects are set for completion by the end of the year. “Complementing this, over 300 household and public latrines have been constructed in rural and riverside communities to prevent water pollution,” he said.
To further regulate water use, especially in urban areas, the president said the government is collaborating with partners to develop a Water Abstraction Licensing Regulation, which will provide a legal and operational framework for sustainable water extraction in line with climate-smart practices.
He added that agriculture, a cornerstone of the economy, continues to contribute over 22 per cent to GDP and supports the livelihoods of most Gambian households.
“The government has committed GMD703 million for seed and fertiliser subsidies under the National Seeds Programme and expanded agricultural credit by an estimated 20 percent. Additionally, GMD300 million was allocated to recapitalise the National Food Security, Processing and Marketing Corporation.”
“These interventions have already yielded results,” he asserted, saying, total cereal output rose from 124,337 metric tonnes in 2024 to 131,798 metric tonnes in 2025, with notable gains in millet, rice, and maize production.
He also said groundnut output, a key cash crop, increased by 16 per cent, reaching 61,043 metric tonnes, prompting “a D2 billion government intervention to purchase up to 50,000 metric tonnes” during the 2025/26 trade season.
He stated: “Productivity has been further supported with 189 tractors, 20 rotavator boats, expanded irrigation, and strengthened livestock health systems, including increased vaccination coverage. These measures aim to ensure food security, rural income stability, and long-term sector growth.”
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