The people of Dampha Kunda Ward, in collaboration with the council of elders of Basse, Kulari and the surrounding wards in the Upper River Region (URR), recently embarked on a massive clearing exercise on a 50-hectare Nerica rice farm land, dedicated to President Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh.

The clearing exercise, according to the URR governor, Alhagie Omar Khan, is in anticipation of the rains. "We are here to clear the land and prepare for the cultivation anytime the rains come," he said. He confirmed that his people are ever ready to answer to the president's call to go back to the land.  "We all know the messages he gives out are for the interest of the Gambian people. Going back to the land, as he always calls for, is a genuine call to ensure food self-sufficiency in this country," Governor Khan said. Mariama Jaw, the lady councilor for Basse Ward, was also present during the clearing.