Information reaching this reporter from rice growers in the Central River Region of the Gambia disclosed that the West Africa Agricultural Productivity Project (WAAPP) has given them 82.5 tonnes of fertilizer on Sunday 27th April 2014. Following the publication of the story on the unavailability of fertilizer to rice growers in the CRR in the Foroyaa issue number 73 published on Tuesday, 15th April 2014, this reporter visited the area on Sunday the 4th of May 2014 to find out the state of affairs regarding the issue. During the visit, the Coordinator of the Farmers' Platform in CRR and a Board Member, Mr Baboucarr Kanteh, confirmed this and added that they have been distributing the fertizer to their general membership in both Lower Fulladu District in Central River Region South and Niani District in Central River Region North.
According to Mr Kanteh, in addition to the fertilizer, the WAAPP also gave them 27.5 tonnes of rice seeds which they have also distributed to their general membership in the said two districts. With regard to the mode of distribution, Mr Kanteh said as for the rice seeds, 300 bags (of 50kilos) were given to their members in CRR South and that 250 bags (50 kilos) were given to their members in CRR North.
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