The Denkula Nerica Farmers Association last Thursday briefed its members on their achievements at a meeting held at Kuntaur Agricultural Station, in Niani District, Central River Region (CRR) north. The Association was established by Nerica rice growers from the five districts in CRR north, namely Lower Saloum, Upper Saloum, Nianija, Niani and Sami.

Speaking at the meeting, Musa Humma, the Regional Agricultural director underscored its significance, noting that it was meant to give a progressive report such as the achievements, expectations, challenges and the way forward for the Association. He explained that the aim of the Association is to improve production and productivity of farmers which is part of President Jammeh’s top priority. He advised the executive members to be transparent and share information with their colleagues for the benefit of unity and cooperation. He also urged them to redouble their efforts in the execution of their duties.

For his part, Dembo Touray, the president of the Association said that since the establishment of the Association in 2010, significant efforts have been made to get support. He also revealed that they received two power tillers from GEAPP and one from NARI. He further revealed that they have 150 bags of fertilizer and D96,000 cash. He fially thanked the Ministry of Agriculture, GEAPP, NARI and the regional agricultural staff for their support to the Association.

The coordinator of Denkula Nerica Farmers Association, Alasan Sowe told the gathering that establishing farmers associations are crucial, saying that they can be easily assisted. He explained that the Association started with Nerica farmers and would be extended to all. Alhaji Pierre Bah, the chief of Niani commended the regional agricultural directorate for its untiring efforts in supporting the farmers to attain food security. “Agriculture is the backbone of our economy,” he added.