Over 200 volunteers in the Central River Region, last Wednesday, August 19th, 2009 embarked on a weeding exercise on President Jammeh's farm in Janjangbureh.

Speaking to the volunteers during the exercise, Lamin Darboe, the deputy governor of the Central River Region, expressed optimism that The Gambia's quest for food self-sufficiency would be achieved. He noted that this country can become food self-sufficient, particularly in rice production. "We can produce rice for our own consumption and eventually export the rest of what is not consumable," he said.

Abdoulie Boye, assistant farm manager, noted that The Gambia has a great potential of becoming food self-sufficient. He said the country would be blessed if all its resources are utilised. Manding Jallow, president of the women kafo on behalf  of the women, commended the people of Sami District and Janjangbureh for coming out in multitudes to weed on the president's farm. She advocated women's empowerment, particularly in rice production, noting that they are the driving force behind rice production in the country.

The chief of Janjangbureh, Bakary Jam Jawo,, expressed his people's commitment towards achieving the country's food self-sufficiency quest. He thanked the volunteers for weeding President Jammeh's farm. Ebrima Janko-Foon, ward councillor for Janjangbureh also expressed similar sentiments.