The government of The Gambia has attached high priority to sustainable agricultural development in the wider context of strengthening the rural economy.

This was contained in a draft report on “National Seed Policy” issued at a validation workshop last Monday, organised by the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), in collaboration with the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) at the Paradise Suites Hotel.

According to the report, the government recognises the fundamental importance of agriculture in achieving food security and improving the wellbeing of the population.

“For this reason, the government of The Gambia recognises that the proper use of good quality seeds  of adapted and improved varieties is a pre-requisite in enhancing crop production. This recognition is even reflected in the agricultural policy of The Gambia which aims to increase at least 25% of present levels of production in the next 5-10 years,” the report added.

The draft report however noted that appropriate strategies will therefore be directed at increased production through expansion of cultivable area and productivity, enhancement with focus on sustainable improved technologies of which the use of improved seeds will be a prime component. The report further revealed that this requires government and partner stakeholders to improve the production and distribution of improved seeds.

“It is the aim of the government of The Gambia to develop the national seed programme and to position it to address the needs identified in the agricultural policy. Towards this objective, priority has been given for the formulation of a national seed policy which shall be aimed at providing a defined and stable framework for the development of an effective and sustainable seed system,” the report highlighted.

However, the policy should create an environment which will foster support from both the government and development partners for activities such as the quick delivery of new varieties of seeds from researchers to farmers, enhancement of the positive contribution of the informal sector, monitoring of seed import, and the distribution of seeds under emergency conditions among others.