Foday Gassama , a 35-year old man resident of Saaba in Lower Niumi North Bank Region, has responded positively to the president's call for massive tree planting, by planting 22,000 cashew trees in a 6-hectare plot of land in Saaba village in North Bank Region. 

In an interview with the Daily Observer's correspondent in NBR, Gassama disclosed that he ventured into agriculture in 2003 in order to contribute his quota in the attainment of food security and improve the livelihood of his family. The orchard he said, will immensely contribute in the protection of the forest and by extension increase soil fertility and boost food production.

He added that the orchard will also serve as an income. "I am calling on the authorities to assist me with equipment to better explore my potentials in food production," he appealed. Gassama further urged the farming community to diversify agricultural activities so as to attain food security as outlined in PRSP 11 and Vision 2020 blue print objectives. He challenged youths to go back to the land and contribute their quota in the attainment of food security.