The Honorable Minister of Agriculture, Livestock & Food Security accompanied by the permanent Secretary, CPCU acting director Momodu sowe, Governor of CRR, Governor of URR GIRAV Project Coordinator CRR Deputy Region Director Rice Farmers Association and River growers Association on Monday officially presented 14 harvesters and 10 combined rice planters to local farmers across central River region at Maruo Farms in Pacharr.
In his remark the minister extends his sincere gratitude and greeting from His Excellency President Adama Barrow while he may not be with us physically, be rest assured his spirit is with us the minister stated.
In his statement, the Hon. Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security, Dr, Demba Sabally highlighted his government deeply values and appreciates your unwavering contributions to the fight against food and nutrition insecurity and to ending the cycle of poverty that has long affected our communities.
Today marks a significant milestone in our collective journey to transform agriculture in The Gambia. I am delighted to represent both the Central Projects Coordinating Unit (CPCU), the implementing agency of the GIRAV Project, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security, which serves as the executing agency. This occasion is not just about handing over equipment it is a celebration of progress, partnership, and purpose.
The GIRAV Project is a bold and strategic initiative designed to develop resilient agricultural value chains in The Gambia It is driven by the growing demand from domestic and regional markets and targets value chains that promise high returns, employment opportunities, and food security. Today’s presentation of rice transplanters and combined harvesters to farmers from CRRS, CRRN, and URR is a testament to our resolve to modernize rice production and support both smallholder and commercial rice producers.
This unprecedented there has Never been this level of Mechanization Agriculture in the past regimes, agriculture remains the backbone of our economy, It contributes nearly 20% of our GDP and provides livelihood to over 80% of our rural population. Yet, the sector faces major challenges ranging from climate variability and limited mechanization to low private sector investment and insufficient post-harvest infrastructure.
Under Subcomponent 3.2 of the GIRAV Project: Matching Grants for Productive Investments: we have already mobilized over US$12.9 million to support agribusinesses and farmers, with the World Bank providing US$9 million and beneficiaries contributing US$3.9 million. Notably, we awarded:
US$3.98 million (over GMD 250 million) to 19 agribusiness SMEs in August 2023.
US$1.493 million (over GMD 81 million) to 74 groups in April 2024
And over GMD 124 million to 312 individuals in late 2024.
Since 2022, the GIRAV Project has also distributed 450 metric tons of climate-smart certified rice seeds to contribute to national self-sufficiency by 2030.
Our Ministry, through its various projects including RRVCDP, -RICOWAS, ROOTS, GAFSP, and P2-P2RS, is committed to providing a comprehensive suite of support services from inputs to extension, research, infrastructure, and market linkages.
I would like to acknowledge with deep appreciation the World Bank for its steadfast support and partnership with the Government of The Gambia under the leadership of President Adama Barrow. Our sincere gratitude also goes to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs for facilitating the resource mobilization process.
Benefitials were:
1. Mustapha Fatty CRRS 1 Combined Harvester
2. Alhagie Salieu Mballow CRRS 1 combined Harvester
3. Innovation Platform URR 1 Combined Harvester
4. President Rice Farmers URR 1 combined Harvester
5. Innovation Platform CRRS (Babucarr Boye) 1 combined Harvester.
6. Innovation Platform CRRN (Hammang Comma) 1 combined Harvester & 1 Rice Transplanter
7. Niana Sukuta Multipurpose Agricultural Cooperative Society CRRN 1 combined Harvester
8. Janjanbureh Rice Growers Cooperative Society CRRS 1 Combined Harvester.
9. Sambelle Kunda Rice Cooperative Society CRRS 1 Combined Harvester.
10. Kosemar Tesito Kafoo Cooperative Society 1 combined Harvester
11. Jah Agro Farm CRRN 1 Combined Harvester & 1 Rice Transplanter
12. Gambia National Army CRRS 1 Combined Harvester & 1 Rice Transplanter
13. Batchily Sahel Agro Farm CRRS 1 Combined Harvester & 1 Rice Transplanter
14. CRRS Regional Agricultural Department 1 Combined Harvester & 1 Rice Transplanter
Finally, I commend the CPCU and GIRAV project management, as well as all implementing partners, for their hard work and commitment in making today’s event a success.