The district head chief of Sandu, in the Upper River Region, Alhagie Jun Bah has spoken on the need for massive farming in this raining season.

In an interview with our Basse-based correspondent, Chief Bah described farming as the only option rural people have in the sustenance of their households. According to him, if farmers take to the land for cultivation, as the president always advises, then in a few years, The Gambia will not need to import food. "We need to reinforce our efforts at the farms this year, because there are all opportunities made available by the President and the government. Why shouldn't we work to attain self-sufficiency?  Here in Sandu, about half of the most successful farmers are women and if these women can be outstanding in farming, what are the men waiting for?"  he asked.

He however emphasised that development is the product of hard work and struggle, and if people sacrifice this year to till the ground massively, there will be no regrets, but total happiness and abundance. Chief Bah also used the opportunity to call on all natives of Sandu, who are residing in the Greater Banjul or elsewhere doing nothing, to come home and join in the farming crusade.  

He also paid tribute to His Excellency Sheikh Professsor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh for his exemplary leadership and wonderful support to the agricultural sector.  He finally called for more support for President Jammeh and the APRC party.