The visit was aimed at assessing the level of cultivation, innovative methods as well as identify the potentialities for possible expansion of Findi production across the country. The Findi Farm Foundation has cultivated three hectares of land using drill and broadcast planting methods.
The varieties under cultivation include Momosato, Momo and NARI One, which were intended for distribution to farmers in other regions.
The goal is to strengthen the supply of high-quality Findi seeds, which would enhance the resilience of farming communities to food and nutrition insecurity.
Morro Manga, Director General of the National Seeds Secretariat (NSS), hailed the initiative, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of Findi to tropical soil and climatic conditions.
He described Findi as one of the main crops with the potential to thrive even with minimal rainfall.
Mr. Bakary Gassama, Regional Director of Agriculture in the West Coast Region, underscored the nutritional value of Findi, which he said could significantly help in addressing the Gambia's food security concerns, if exploited.
He lauded the ongoing efforts to promote large-scale Findi production in the country, further calling on farmers to diversify their production.
Ansuman Njie, Operations Director of P2-P2RS, expressed appreciation and also extended gratitude to the National Seeds Secretariat team for their work in developing high-quality Findi seeds.
Njie reiterated the importance of quality seed production in promoting mass cultivation of Findi in the country, saying the project was committed to enhancing the entire value chain—from seed production to distribution and consumption.
He revealed that the P2-P2RS intends to purchase Findi seeds and distribute among Gambian farmers, with the goal of scaling up its production and productivity.
He assured that the project would continue to work closely with key partners to ensure the sustainability of these interventions, while committing to improving the quality of Findi seeds available to farmers.
He maintained that the collaboration between the P2-P2RS project, the NSS, and other agricultural stakeholders signals a unified effort to promote the economic and nutritional benefits of Findi production in The Gambia.
