By: Haruna Kuyateh
The Chief of Upper Niumi, Momodou Chatty Cham, has warned against the unleashing of cattle and sheep in farms as he expressed optimism for bumper harvests in this year’s cropping season.
Livestock intrusion into farms has been largely responsible for some pre-harvest loss in many Gambian farming communities but the Upper Niumi chief has underlined the need for herders and shepherds to be watchful and protect farmers from their animals to promote food security in the area.
He, however, admitted that herders have so far recognized the delineated cattle track as no human/livestock conflict case did not reach the district tribunal.
Chief Cham was speaking in an interview with The Voice in Jurungu.
Support to Farmers
The Upper Niumi chief acknowledged the support that the government of The Gambia and development partners rendered to farmers in his area this year to enhance yields. He explained that the various support packages such as the provision of seeds, fertilizer, and plough services at Jurungu rice field have all combined to enable farmers to grow their crops on time.
Private-sector Investment
He appealed for heavy private-sector investment in agriculture as a way of reinforcing the government’s efforts towards the attainment of food security and food price stability.
Mechanization
After expressing gratitude and appreciation to President Barrow and his government for their investments in promoting agriculture, Chief Cham appealed for the mechanization of the sector to enhance productivity and by extension the improvement of farmers’ income and the various value chains such as processing and preservation.