By Yunus S Saliu
The Gambia-China Cooperation on Friday wrapped-up its weeklong training of trainers on agricultural skills for the Agricultural Science Teachers Association of The Gambia (ASTAGAM).
The weeklong training was held at the Department of Agriculture premises, Sapu, CRR between 24th to 28th February and it was meant to enhance knowledge and skills of members of the agricultural science teachers across the country.
The training fully sponsored by the Gambia-China Cooperation with great intention of bolstering agriculture science teachers with agronomy and other farming skills, which include breeding vegetable seedling technology, making and using compost fertilizer. Also, modern agricultural production practices.
Speaking at the closing of the weeklong training program, Shang Xiaohui, China Aid Agriculture Technical Assistance to The Gambia and team leader reiterated the importance of agriculture. He cited the People’s Republic of China, as example, which he said raises 22 per cent of the population through 7 per cent of the land in the world.
Governor of the Region in his remarks challenged beneficiaries of the training to be steadfast in working towards developing The Gambia agriculture. He as well applauded the People’s Republic of China for the gesture and rated the training to be ‘vital in boosting training and investment needs of agriculture which is oftentimes frowns upon in The Gambia.’
Fatou A Jeng and Alpha Bah – vice president of Agricultural Science Teachers Association of The Gambia and public relations officer of the association respectively reiterated the importance of building capacities of teachers. Saying they play a very key role in molding students into future agriculture entrepreneurs and officers.
Landing Saidylee, principal agriculture officer of Central River Region South hailed the Chinese technical team for the gesture, while he called on participants to utilize their learned skills to better agriculture and food security in The Gambia.
CRR north Agriculture Director, Famara Trawally also made remarks at the closing of the training, while participants were issued certificates for their achievement.