Gambiaj.com – (BAYABA, The Gambia) – President Adama Barrow recently visited a 4-kilometer rice field in Bayaba, Sami District, Central River Region North, to assess the progress of a private-sector-driven rice project aimed at bolstering The Gambia’s food security. This initiative aligns with the Barrow administration’s strategy to reduce reliance on imported rice and other essential commodities.

During the visit, President Barrow lauded the efforts of Gambian businessman Mr. Hamidu Jah, whose Jah Group spearheads the Bayaba rice project. He urged other entrepreneurs to emulate this initiative, emphasizing the transformative potential of local rice production.

“With such projects, you contribute to food security, create jobs, and reduce dependency on foreign exchange,” President Barrow stated.

Empowering Agriculture Through Mechanization

Representing Jah Oil Group, Mr. Momodou Hydara highlighted the role of mechanized farming in the project’s success. The group has employed young people and women in various stages of rice production, from cultivation to packaging, and aims to increase production cycles to three or four annually.

Hydara expressed gratitude for the government’s support but appealed for further investment from NAWEC (National Water and Electricity Company) to enhance production capacity.

President Barrow witnessed the harvesting and packaging processes during his visit, underscoring the potential of private-sector-led initiatives to contribute to national food security.

A Vision for Reduced Imports by 2030

The Jah Group’s efforts are part of a larger movement in The Gambia involving prominent businesses such as Marou Farm, Q Group, Ahmadiya Jama’at, and GACH, alongside smallholder farmers. These stakeholders aim to significantly reduce rice imports by 2030 through investments in modern farming techniques.

Development partners are also supporting the government with programs to empower farmers and enhance agricultural productivity. This collective effort reflects the national commitment to ensuring that “no one should be left behind” in the journey toward self-sufficiency.

President Barrow says his administration is focused on agriculture as a cornerstone for economic growth and food security, with the private sector playing a pivotal role in achieving these goals.