The Daily Observer (Banjul)
Daily Observer
12 November 2009
column
Since the start of the rainy season, volunteers from all walks of life have been descending on the president's farm to render a helping hand. From pre-planting to now post planting operation, the high turnout of people to contribute their quota individually to the drive towards food self-sufficiency is indeed commendable.
This high turnout of people to help in the planting, weeding and now harvesting of the president's farms across the length and breath of the country, is an indication that Gambians are fully determined to become a food self-sufficient nation. The efficient response of the government in providing the enabling environment that permits the undertaking of such a venture elucidates the strong commitment and determination of our leadership in materialising the Silicon Valley aspiration.
However, we wish to re-echo the president's appeal for more volunteers to assist him complete the harvesting of his farm produce. Our local proverb has it that 'no matter how fast a horse can run, you have hit it more. It is important that people realise that the farms are for the benefit of Gambians. This is all geared towards materialising our quest for food self-sufficiency. Many people had participated in the cultivation at the start of the season. It is now time to complete their task and reaping the fruits of their labour. We therefore hope that people will answer to the president's appeal so that the produce can be harvested in time to avoid any possible destruction.
This appeal is not limited to the individuals only, but also groups; be it religious or social organisations. The Mourid community have already set the pace by contributing enormously their quota in the harvesting exercise. Their appearance on the president's farm should serve as a stepping-stone for all the other religious groups and organisations. We should not lose sight of the fact that development cannot be achieved if we continue to depend on outside for food. The crops are fully ripe; any delay in harvesting them will only put them to the risk of destruction.
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