Opposition leader Ousainou Darboe has called for a transformative focus on agriculture, particularly rice and millet cultivation, as a pathway to achieving food security and economic independence in The Gambia.

Speaking to residents of the Upper River Region (URR), Darboe stressed the nation’s potential to drastically reduce its reliance on costly imports by fully utilising its fertile lands for large-scale farming.

Darboe urged Gambians to envision a future where the country can meet its own rice demands without relying on foreign suppliers.

“We must set ambitious targets for rice production, determine how many tonnes we need annually, and progressively increase that number each year. Within a few years, The Gambia can achieve self-sufficiency, drastically lowering the cost of rice,” he said.

He highlighted the economic burden caused by importing rice with foreign currencies, which he described as unsustainable in the long term.

Darboe called for greater government investment and policy support to strengthen local agricultural initiatives.

He praised the efforts of companies like MARRO FARM in the Central River Region (CRR) and JAH OIL Company, which are leading the charge in commercial rice farming, but emphasised that these initiatives need additional support to fully realise their potential.

Darboe also reflected on the challenges of foreign dependency as was demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed the country’s over-reliance on foreign food supplies.

“During the pandemic, we depended entirely on other countries for our food, leaving us vulnerable. We must learn from this and prioritise agriculture to secure our future,” he said.

He underscored the importance of other staple crops such as maize, millet, and coos, which he said have dual benefits. Locally, they contribute to food security, while on the international stage, they serve as valuable export commodities that can boost foreign exchange earnings.

He also highlighted their potential in the production of raw materials for manufacturing, creating opportunities for industrial growth.

He emphasised that achieving food self-sufficiency is not just about reducing imports but about building economic resilience, ensuring sustainability, and transforming The Gambia into an agricultural powerhouse.

By Adama Makasuba