A statement made available to The Voice by the presidency on Wednesday quoted the president as saying the country has been successful in the production of other cereals but has stagnated in rice production.
President Barrow called on the Ministry to utilise its human resources and technical knowledge to improve rice production so as to minimise imports.
The Minister of Agriculture, Dr Demba Sabally, said that the Ministry is importing over 100 tractors, which will contribute to production of rice and achieve national food security.
He emphasised the need for mechanisation, land development, availability of high-yield seeds, farmer education, and encouragement of the youth to go into agriculture to increase food self-sufficiency.
The Minister also revealed that six active projects have been ongoing, and three other projects are yet to be launched.
Dr. Sabally said that the Roots Project is the biggest agricultural project, aimed at increasing productivity and market access for enhanced food security.
The Gambia Inclusive and Resilient Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (GIRAV) focuses on supporting vegetable gardening and other components to make agro-food systems more inclusive, productive, and sustainable.