The Gambia government has announced that it will provide more than 8000 tons of fertilizer to farmers ahead of the rainy season with 30 tons of assorted seeds.

Amie Bojang-Sissoho, director of press at the presidency, made the announcement during a press conference at the State House.

She said that President Barrow is committed to transforming the agriculture sector from rudimentary to mechanize farming and ensured that the sector becomes a key economic player in the country.

“To realize this policy goal the government is ensuring that farmers have access to inputs and farm implements are giving priority for the 2019 rainy season. The ministry of Agriculture in partnership with National Food Security Processing and Marketing Operation is procuring a total of 7,500 metric tons of fertilizer for the rainy season this year,” she said.

Mrs. Bojang-Sissoho added that “with support from Giepan an extra 600 tons of fertilizer and 30 tons of assorted seeds will be available to farmers this year.”

According to her, the government will provide this support to the seven administrative regions of the country with 260 agricultural  equipment like – rice threshers, milling  machine, power tillers, accessories, pumping machine and five-foot 20 container freezers.

She said the government through the ministry of Agriculture will provide certified seeds from Gambian seed growers, adding “locally 56% of groundnut seeds, 71% maize seeds and 100% of findi seeds needed are available this year locally.”

She added that 11,000 communities out of the seven regions will be given the seeds out of which 75% is headed by men while 25% headed by women. Mrs. Bojang-Sissoho said 3000 hectares of land has been identified for rice cultivation and poultry farming in Central River Region.

She said this came after President Barrow’s visit to Egypt, adding it is aim at cutting down youth unemployment in the country.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba