The Daily Observer (Banjul)
Alieu Jamanka
8 July 2009
Basse — The Upper River Region Rice Farmers Association, has hailed the Taiwanese Technical Mission in Sapu, Central River Region, for their commitment in boosting rice production in the region, especially the new rice for Africa (NERICA) variety.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with our Basse based correspondent, Peter Baldeh, the focal person for Nerica production in CRR, emphasised that the Taiwanese Technical Mission's support to rice growers in the URR cannot be over-emphasised. He said they have made great impact in the lives of the growers and the people of the URR.
Baldeh said the mission recently provided over 60 tonnes of rice seeds of different varieties- like ATM and NERICA this year. He added that presently, they have planted over 1300 hectares and will plant up to 4000 hectares, as part of their rice expansion program sponsored by the Taiwanese Technical Mission.
He also revealed that the mission recently, provided three brand new power tillers that the association bought at a reasonable price of D3000 each. "This power tillers are fully equipped with all materials required for ploughing in swampy and dry land," he said. According to him, all these mentioned above indicate the level of support the TTM are giving to the rice growers in The Gambia, adding that they are indeed friends to rely on. Baldeh however stated that the Taiwanese Technical Mission is greatly complementing the president's efforts in making The Gambia food self-sufficient.
Alhagie Kibilli Jaguraga, president of the URR Rice Farmers Association, said that the support the TTM gives to the farmers will go a long way in making The Gambia self- sufficient in terms of food. He paid homage to the president of the republic, Sheikh Prof. Alhaji Dr Yahya AJJ Jammeh for his sound leadership and his continuous support to agricultural development in The Gambia.
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