Food and Agricultural Service Development (FASDEP) in partnership with National Enterprise Development Initiative has supported farmers of Central River Region with farming equipment worth over 30 million dalasi held in Bakau.
The equipment included, tractors, milling machines, power tillers, and it is aimed at addressing food insecurity and malnutrition in the provincial Gambia..
In his remark, Foday Jammeh permanent secretary of Agriculture described farmer’s empowerment as essential to the country’s socio economic development saying agriculture constitute about 25% of the gross domestic product.
“The government is ready to develop the agricultural system- however this can be only attain when agricultural service and farm mechanization is put in place,” he said.
He urged FASDEPT to work with the Ministry of Agriculture.
Miss use of the machines may affect the soil fertility because it could cause soil erosion that can lead to soil infertility he said.
PS Jammeh urged the organizations to consult agricultural experts, especially those at the enginery unit whenever abnormalities are discovered in the farming machines.
Kebba Jarju, director of FASDEPT said: “The initiative is also gear towards empowering farmer’s organisation so as to development the farming sector. FASDEPT had contributed 60% of the project and the beneficiaries will also pay the other 40% from the resources the machines generated from farmers.”
“Lack of agricultural services and farm mechanizations are challenges affecting the progress of farmers in the country. This project will develop agriculture in the nation and raise youth employment rate in country,” he said.
Abass Bah, general manager for NEDI commended FASDEPT for the valuable initiative for the young people, adding his institution is committed to partner with FASDEPT to ensure the wellbeing of the youth is attain.
Delivering the board of thank on behalf of the beneficiaries Lamin Darboe also a beneficiary expressed gratitude to FASDEPT and its partners for their tirelessly support for the youth.
He called on the youth to unite and work so as to attain the sustainable development goals for the tiny West African nation, noting the support will take a long way in addressing the irregular migration syndrome.
Author: Sulayman Waan
