A two-week capacity building course on Pesticide Residue Analysis sponsored by the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) ended last Friday at the Agricultural Pest Management Unit in Yundum.

The occasion also marked the official commissioning of a laboratory by the agency. It attracted participants from NARI, NEA and other bodies. Speaking at the occasion, Kukoi Kuyateh, deputy permanent secretary at the Department of State for Agriculture (DoSA) described the training as an educative and participatory program.

According to him, agriculture as the backbone of The Gambia’s economy, must be protected from foreign pests and diseases.  He said “we must ensure our products are free from pesticide residues in order to ensure fair treatment in the international trading system”.

According to PS Kuyateh, the government of The Gambia will continue to endeavor to keep working with donors to ensure that the relevant supporting materials are procured and distributed. He then challenged the participants to put into practice the knowledge gained.

He also advised them to do their work professionally in order for the world to recognise that a phytosanitary certificate from The Gambia guarantees quality.  He finally thanked the FAO Banjul Office for their support.

For his part, Dr Babagana Ahmadou, the FAO representative in The Gambia, said his organisation will continue to assist The Gambia in their quest to meet the international standards system. According to him, this will help developing countries such as The Gambia to meet the requirements to trade goods and products across international boundaries.   

The FAO boss thanked The Gambia government for the efforts to meet the international standards required. Landing Sonko, the director of Technical Services at DoSA, who  chaired the occasion, thanked the participant for responding to the invitation.

Dr Rhonest, the consultant, expressed his belief that the outcome of the training will help the country to meet the requirements of the international market. He also urged the participants to utilise the knowledge gained.