The North Bank Region (NBR) Nerica Farmers Association commonly known as ‘Baluu Makati Bayi Kafoo’ recently held its first Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the NJawara Agricultural Training Centre in the NBR.

Speaking at the , Dr. Sahiou E. Sanyang, the regional Agricultural director of NBR, applauded the Association for its foresight and commitment in promoting the welfare of farmers. He noted that the AGM will contribute to the promotion of good governance, accountability, transparency, and foster greater understanding among farmers towards the attainment of food production and marketing of farm produce.

He called on farmers to continue to support the Association in the mobilisation of resources and establish farms at district levels.Sanyang commended the Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSFHC) for partnering with the Association, noting that such partnership will enable farmers to increase production and promote diversification. He called on other parastatals to emulate SSHFC in partnering with the Association to boost food production and ease marketing of their produce.

For his part, Mustapha Saidy, the deputy governor of NBR, thanked the Association for raising more awareness among farmers and the regional authorities. He said that the initiative has enabled authorities and development partners to effectively respond to the needs of farmers. He commended the leadership of the Association for complementing the efforts of President Jammeh in boosting food production. He also urged farmers to start early planting and seek advice from frontline extension workers.

Malick Sarr, representing the chief of Lower Nuimi applauded ‘Baluu Makati Bayi Kafoo’ for their immense contribution on food availability and enhancing the welfare of farmers. He also stressed the need for farmers to diversify farming to enable the country to attain food self-sufficiency and income for farmers.

The president of NBR Nerica Farmers Association, Sambou Dampha thanked the farmers and the Regional Agricultural Directorate and District chiefs for their support and encouragement to the Association. He reiterated that the AGM is aimed at promoting transparency, accountability and good governance. He added that it will also enable farmers to assess the performance of the Association and pave the way forward.

He gave an overview of the Association’s activities during the period under review and thanked farmers for the trust and confidence bestowed on them to advance the welfare of farmers to boost production. Dampha thanked President Jammeh for championing the back-to-land call and also for attaching great important to agriculture. “The role of farmers in the country’s quest of attaining food security calls for concerted efforts and resource mobilisation to enhance production,” he added.

He revealed that the partnership with SSFHC has enabled the Association to cultivate a millet farm in Njaba Kunda, with the ultimate objective of promoting the diversification of farming and enhancing private sector involvement and participation in farmers associations.

The presidents of the Nerica Farmers Associations of West Coast Region and Central River Region, Ebrima Beyai and Dembo Touray respectively, applauded the North Bank chapter for promoting farmers’ welfare. They both agreed that the AGM is important, as it will enable farmers and stakeholders to come together to discuss and assess the performance of the Association.

“The approach is highly appreciated as it promotes transparency and accountability and by extension strengthen the trust and confidence among farmers and the Association,” they reiterated.The duo used the opportunity to call on the country’s GSM operators to build partnership with farmers’ associations in promoting food security.

Ebrima KS Dampha of SSHFC thanked the Associations for the partnership in promoting food production. He acknowledged the cordial relationship they have with the Association in complementing President Jammeh’s efforts in attaining food self-sufficiency and poverty reduction.