The Taiwanese ambassador to The Gambia, Friday handed over 2,723 bags of rice seeds to the regional agricultural directorate in CRR South at a ceremony held in Sapu.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Ambassador Samuel Chen said the donation of the seeds is part of their response towards the 2011crop failure. He explained that the seeds donated are for the upland rice expansion project which was established in 2009, adding that the 2011 crop failure affected most of the farming communities and has caused food shortage among them.

He disclosed that the total area of upland rice expansion project developed by the Taiwanese Mission in partnership with the Gambia government from 2009 to 2012 stands at 54,176.56 hectares. The Taiwanese ambassador added that they also supplied improved rice seeds and fertilizer to the project and urged farmers to utilise the donated seeds accordingly.

For his part, Solomon Owens, the minister of Agriculture commended the Taiwanese government through its Banjul Embassy for the immense contribution towards the attainment of food security in the country and CRR in particular.

He also spoke at length on the importance President Jammeh attaches to agricultural development, particularly food self-sufficiency. He said the donated seeds are a good start and called on the agriculture personnel to make sure they are distributed on time as the rainy season has just begun.

The governor of the region, Alhaji Ganyie Touray described the people of Taiwan as good humanitarian partners who continue to complement government’s efforts in all areas. He implored on the beneficiaries to respond positively to the clarion back-to-the-land call by the Gambian leader. He thanked Taiwan for the support and urged farmers to till the land to make best use of the seeds.

Dr. Sait Drammeh, the director general of Agricultural Services also spoke at the ceremony, which was chaired by the regional director of Agriculture Services, Habbie Touray.