The event also witnessed the presentation of Seeders and Sine Hoes to 25 women farmers and 9 motor cycles to agric related organisations.
Addressing the gathering, Musa F. Sowe, president of NACOFAG, said the move is meant to boost the country’s agro food processing business especially women.
“As the theme for this occasion is to improve income and livelihood for women farmers as we realize it is needful, to support these women and make people value and notice the role local food play in food and nutrition security.” he said.
Also speaking, Demba Sabally, Minister for Agriculture, dilated that the importance of event, which he said, is also meant to create market and good prices for farmers and their produce.
“This regional food fair brings market opportunity close to the door steps of producers which helps the country’s agricultural sector to grow,” he added.
The food fair, he added, also seeks to create employment for people in view of the fact that it attracted participants are from all regions in the country.
He suggested that the food fair be organised in all regions eventually in order to give local producers and processors a chance to advertise and market their produce.
“This goes beyond the food fair itself but to improve the organisational capacities of institutions involved in food fairs,” he said.
He outlined the need for more capacity building in terms of quality of the product and also packaging should improve and be sustained. This, he added, does not only make the product attractive but also provides vital information to the consumers regarding the product.
Mamour Alieu Jagne, ROOTS Project Director, highlighted that part of their mandate is to look for how to add value and create marketing outlets for farmers.
“Therefore, this is a great opportunity to help food processors to be able to sell their products and boost the country’s agro food process status. Our organisation will always be ready to support and partner with such initiatives which is why we are with NACOFAG today.” he added.
