The Daily Observer (Banjul)
Hatab Fadera
17 June 2011
The president of the Republic was Thursday evening presented mechanised agricultural equipment by two institutions from within and outside the country.
Dr Kenneth Jackson Snr of the Sovereign Church of Elohym, an international organisation which has its regional headquarters in Sierra Leone donated two multi-purpose Dri Prime High Capacity pumping machines to His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh to support of his food security campaign. The other gesture came from the Gambia Emergency Agricultural Production Project (GEAPP) which presented to the Gambian leader seven power tillers; seven bags of fertilizers; seven rice tracers; seven seeders; seven sine hoes; 200 litters of pesticide and four knapsack sprayers.
The gestures that came at a time when pre-farming season activities are taking place across the country are meant to compliment the efforts of the Gambian leader, who is also the minister of Agriculture, in the food self-sufficiency battle that he launched years ago. The gestures, specifically the pumping machines are expected to go a long way in the efforts to tap the country’s water resources for continuous agricultural production.
In a brief statement at the presentation ceremony, the Gambian leader commended Dr Kenneth Jackson for fulfilling his promise in a very short period of time, saying he was surprised by the quick response. He acknowledged the paramount role the equipment can play in agricultural production, noting that the pumping machines would enable the country make use of the River Gambia for agricultural production. The president then commended Dr Jackson for the positive move, while assuring him that he will see for himself how they are going to make use of the donated machines. He also expressed their resolve to acquire more of such machines.
President Jammeh equally commended GEAPP which serves as a substitute to the Africa Emergency Locust Project that phased in 2010, for its role in the agricultural production in the country. He specifically commended the coordinator of the project, Sheikh Tijan Sosseh for what he described as his patriotism and hard work.
Speaking earlier, the minister of Youth and Sports, Sheriff Gomez, commended Dr Jackson for providing what he called the “revolutionary machines” that will be a catalyst in the drive towards achieving the objectives of the Gambian leader in agriculture. Minister Gomez pointed out that their drive for intense agricultural production is inspired by President Jammeh, whom he said challenged them to not only ensure the attainment of food self-sufficient but also to penetrate the export market. The Youths and Sports minister also hailed GEAPP for their efforts.
The Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters minister, Lamin Kaba Bajo joined his colleague in commending the benefactors for the donation. He also thanked Dr Jackson for fulfilling one of the promises he made to the Gambian leader; a move he said has further strengthened their confidence and trust in him. Describing agriculture as the mainstay of the country’s economy, Bajo recalled that the country stood out as one that was less hit by the food crisis thanks to the sector. Minister Lamin Bajo also thanked the GEAPP for their move.
Speaking earlier, Dr Kenneth Jackson, whose institution operates some of the largest farms in the region, said the gesture is among other things meant to contribute in enhancing the food self-sufficiency campaign of the Gambian leader. Dr Jackson assured the Gambian leader that this move is the beginning of their partnership.
Also speaking at the occasion, the coordinator of GEAPP, Sheikh Tijan Sosseh explained that his project which is a complimentary project to the Africa Emergency Locust Project that phased out last year, was funded at the tune of 5.3 million euros by the World Bank and the European Union.
While disclosing that the GEAPP’s objective is to enhance agricultural production in the country, Sosseh disclosed that at least 600 farming communities benefit from the project. He further disclosed that an unprecedented number of farming equipment and inputs have been distributed to these communities since the project’s inception. Sosseh said that they are aware of the farming activities of the Gambian leader, proceeds of which he added goes to benefit the people in the society. He then stressed that they thought it prudent to come forward and contribute to this worthwhile crusade.
AllAfrica – All the Time
Taken from:
Agric Equipment Donated to Step-Up Anti-Hunger Campaign