Banjul –

From May 21 – 25, 2019, The National Agricultural   Research Institute (NARI) in close   partnership with the Agricultural Directorates in the North Bank (NBR) and   Central River regions (CRRS & CRRN) and the Food and Agriculture   Organization of the United Nations (FAO) distributed 952.5kg of Bio-fortified   maize to farmers for multiplication.

A total of 33 individual farmers and 7   community committees in the three regions received the seed of hope. They will also be provided with fertilizer and   trainings in the recommended agricultural practices (including spacing,   appropriate fertilizer application, weeding and pest control) to ensure a   bumper harvest. The assistance will enable the farmers to   cultivate 31.75 hectares of land. They are expected to produce an estimated   total yield average of 47.625. After harvest, the participating farmers who   each received a minimum of 7.5kg and a maximum of 60kg will only give back to   NARI (through the regional agricultural directorates) the quantity of seed   received for further dissemination to farmers.

NARI is spearheading the bio-fortification initiative   supported by FAO with the sole aim of improving the production and   consumption of bio-fortified foods for the eradication of hunger,   malnutrition and poverty in the country. The intervention will also include   hands-on trainings for extension agents and farmers in the project   intervention areas. The intervention is being supported by the European Union   (EU) funded four-year project entitled “Improving Food Security and Nutrition   in The Gambia through Food Fortification.

Maize is a staple food   crop for most households in rural Gambia. In 2018, NARI conducted   multiplication trials of the seed in three communities and the findings show   the maize reached physiological maturity at 90 days after   planting and field maturity at around 100-105. This makes the   micro-nutrients rich maize as one of the most sustainable and cost effective   ways to combat the high rate of micronutrients deficiencies in the country.

Addressing the   recipients in their respective communities/homes, Dr. Lamin Sonko, Director,   Cropping Systems, NARI, Ousman Jarju, Director, Aflatoxins and Food Chemistry   NARI, Solange Heise, Coordinator, Food Fortification Project at FAO, Ousman   Touray, National Programme Officer, FAO explained the rationale for the   intervention. They underline the need for farmers to take ownership of the   initiative and adhere to the technical guidance of the   agronomists/agriculture extension workers for the achievement of the desired   objectives. They stressed the need for farmers to ensure the traits of the   maize variety are maintained by prventing cross pollination with other maize   varieties.

Mustpha Drammeh,   Regional Agriculture Director for NBR speaking at Konteh Kunda Nijji in Upper   Baddibou said “This bio-fortified maize variety is enriched with Vitamin A   which is vital for optimal health and nutrition. The project driving this   process is a joint intervention of The Gambian Government and FAO with the   sole aim of addressing hidden hunger. I therefore wish to appeal to you and   to urge you to be committed to ensure the success of this multiplication for   the interest of the common good”.

Reacting to the   initiative, the beneficiary farmers thanked the government and FAO and the   donor for the intervention. They assured that they will measure up to   expectation and appealed for the timely distribution of the fertilizer.

Alhagie Pierre Bah,   Chief of Niani District and a farmer also said, “Timely distribution of   inputs [seed and fertilizer] to the farmers remain key challenges in our   quest to enhance agricultural production and productivity. But this time   around, with good rains and bio-fortified maize seed, we are very hopeful of   a good harvest”. He promised to be a role model in the seed multiplication   drive.

Alhagie Kemo Jabbie, a renowned farmer in BaraJally Suba in Niani District said, “This is a pleasant surprise”. He assured the team that he will measure up to expectation noting that his household still feed on
their 2017 maize harvest.