The Taiwanese Embassy in The Gambia Wednesday donated 60 bags of rice seeds and 188 bags of fertilizer to the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF).

The presentation ceremony was held at the Yundum Barracks. Speaking at presentation ceremony, Samuel Chen, the Taiwanese ambassador to The Gambia said the donation is meant for GAF’s farming activities at the Yundum and Farafenni Barracks.

He explained that the donation is part of the Upland Rice Expansion project 2009-2012, which is implemented by the Taiwanese Technical Mission. “This has been the third time of donating to GAF this year alone. The move is geared towards supporting GAF’s food self-sufficiency desire,” he added.

Major General Ousman Bargie, deputy chief of Defence Staff of GAF, said the primary task of the Armed Forces is to secure lives and property. He said they are also partners in development. “In Agriculture we are not left behind, since President Jammeh called on Gambians to go back to the land, we made it our point of duty,” he remarked.

Major General Bargie also commended the Gambian leader for giving them tractors to be able to farm.  Major Timothy Sanyang, commander of the 1st Infantry Battalion commended Taiwanese Embassy for the gesture.

Captain Abdoulie Mboob, public relations officer of GAF chaired the ceremony.