By: Haruna Kuyateh
Noo Kunda women gardeners have started harvesting and marketing their garden onions as capacity development on compost empowered farmers to prepare.
The garden has a membership of 439 farmers and out of which 11 are men, predominantly it is the women who are the principal producers.
Modou Jadama who spoke to Voice lauded NEMA CHOSSO Project for the establishment of garden with borehole and training of farmers on best agronomic practices to increase yield, income and by extension enhance soil nutrients through use of organic farming.
He commended farmers for their cooperation and adoption of best agronomic practices to improve livelihood development. Commenting on sustainability, the Secretary noted each farmer paid D200 after harvest and the proceed is use to extend water supply and address needs.
Fatou Jagne President of Women Garden said the capacity development by NEMA and United Purpose for building farmers capacity on best farm practices, Entrepreneurship, record keeping, soil management, market information system and networking among others.
Binta Jaiteh and Jammending Fofana of Noo Kunda said the support has help to transform farming practice and increase income. The duos said the outbreak of COVID19 and closure of weekly market has affect marketing of vegetables and onion.
The farmers call for additional borehole to help meet the water challenges at the garden. The use of organic manure help to preserve onion and call for additional garden to be establish.