By Binta Jaiteh
The Gambia Standard Bureau (TGSB) recently trained agricultural extension workers in the requirements of standards for good post-harvest practices of maize and warehouse requirements for rice.The Bureau, through support from the Gambia Inclusive and Resilient Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (GIRAV), embarked on a week-long massive nationwide training of regional extension workers to develop and publish national standards in all sectors of the economy.
The Director of Standardization, Ebrima M. Jallow, extolled the agriculture ministry for the partnership in ensuring post-harvest handling and storage of agricultural produce.
“The training aimed to add value to the products harvested in the farms and ensure the quality of the produce is maintained along the value chain. The objective of the training is also to build the capacities of the participants on the provisions of the two standards to ensure that post-harvest handling of maize, as well as the storage of rice, is done in line with national standards and international best practices,” he explained.
According to him, if these standards are fully implemented, the quality of maize and rice grains from the point of harvest to the point of sale, processing, and consumption will be greatly enhanced.
“This can also help farmers access local, regional, and international markets without hitches thereby promoting commercial farming and enhancing farmers’ income level,” said Mr. Jallow.
The Standards Officer for Food and Agricultural Products, Saikou Drammeh and the Cadet Certification Officer of the bureau, Mutarr Seckan, took participants through the standard requirements.
The next training, according to the officials, will focus on building capacity in published standards and step-down training mainly targeting farmers.