The Director-General of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Dr. Jacques Diouf, has acknowledged the ‘growth’ The Gambia has registered in the area of agriculture, saying that the country is on track in terms of attaining food-self sufficiency.

Dr. Diouf was speaking to journalists at the Sunset Hotel yesterday after his arrival in the country to pay courtesy calls on President Jammeh on Thursday and today.

According to the FAO boss, the government of The Gambia has so far been resolute in putting in place the requisite infrastructure as a basis of development in the country.

“Agriculture should be a priority area. Hence, our work with the government of The Gambia is diverse. We work with Gambian experts to see how to increase agricultural productivity. We also work in tandem with the government towards realising food security as well as working towards halving poverty before 2015,” he added.

He revealed that FAO also collaborates with the government in the areas of agricultural research, ensuring food safety, addressing threats to agriculture and many other areas of co-operation.

Dr. Diouf informed the media contingent that the centrepiece of his visit was the meeting of the head of state to discuss issues revolving around agriculture and some of the development challenges of Africa.

“I would like to know some of the issues to have a better knowledge and to know the sensitivity of some of the issues such as implications of high oil prices on bio-energy and how they relate to food security,” he disclosed.

Dr. Diouf is expected to leave Banjul today.