By Mustapha K Darboe
The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) has supported Gambian farmers with thresher machines to enhance food production and reduce post-harvest losses.
The 4 thresher machines for the processing of groundnut and millet were donated to farmers in the Central River Region, a rural area 114 miles from Banjul, the capital.
Agriculture contributes 25% of Gambia’s gross domestic product (GDP), employing about 70% of the labour force. The sector also serves as the main source of income for about 72% of the extremely poor rural households who are rural dwellers.
“Considering the significant contribution of this sector to the economy and in view of the sufferings of the farmers in the region, TİKA Office has come up with a very timely Project,” said Turkey ambassador to the Gambia Tolga Bermek.
“The more we embrace technology in agriculture, the more we maximise efficiency and minimize costs.”
The 4 machines were received by the region’s governor Sheriff Abba Sanyang. Overseeing the handing over ceremony was TIKA Banjul coordinator Mehmet Akif Eyigun. The region’s traditional rulers and agriculture officials also attended the ceremony.
The 4 machines were part of a series of support TIKA gave to CRR. Other supports include hand washing facilities, face masks and food items that TIKA distributed under its Covid-19 Mitigation Project.
Governor Sanyang said before TIKA’s donations, farmers in his region rely on machines coming from Senegal to thresh their groundnut and millet.
“…The thresher machines will increase efficiency in the processing of groundnut and millet in CRR,” said Sanyang.