Hundreds of people from the Western Region over the weekend gathered at Kanilai to harvest President Dr Yahya Jammeh’s rice field in Kanpong, Foni Kansala, the proceed from which is used mainly to sponsor people to perform the hajj pilgrimage, provide scholarships for needy students, and health care among others.

Speaking to journalists at the farm, Captain Babucarr Sanyang, the camp commander of Kanilai, said this year, they expect a bumper harvest and that the quality of the rice is the best in throughout the length and breadth of the country. He said the farm is for all Gambians irrespective of their political affiliations “as our children are the beneficiaries of the proceeds”, noting that the people should come in large numbers and answer to the President’s clarion call to go back to the land.

Capt. Sanyang added that next year, the President is going to develop the Kanpong rice field and they are going to cultivate different varieties of rice so that the country will be food self sufficient.

“There cannot be food self-sufficiency when people do not want to work. This is the collective responsibility of all Gambians, particularly when the President is leading the way. We are the beneficiaries, so we should work hand in glove for the development of the country”, he added.

Amadou Bojang, the coordinator of the rice field also revealed that the rice is of a good variety and they are expecting a high yield. He said in some parts of the rice field, they have experienced soil erosions and would like the intervention of the President. He said he did not fear any variety of rice in the country, noting that the rice is a heavy duty variety and the best quality ever produced in the country.

Lamin Kujabi, deputy headmaster and also a member of the Kembujeh Mothers’ Club said they formed the association two years ago to help the girl child have access to good quality education. He said education is for all and it is the right of the girl child to be educated.

“We deem it necessary to come to the President’s farm which belongs to all Gambians. We all need to contribute our quota to the socio-economic development of the country. The rice has yielded well”, he stated.
Both the Daily Observer and GRTS made a conducted tour to Sagnhajour and Jiranba where the President’s farm yielded good harvests.

Mariama Badjie, Ramatoulie Colley of the Zeinab Jammeh cultural group, Salifu Sambou, Kayong Kalorn, Mai Badjie Kabekel and Nyima Bojang all expressed similar sentiments.