The Taiwanese Technical Mission, in collaboration with Kuntaur Agriculture station in Central River Region North, recently concluded a four day sensitization training on cropping calendars and machinery operation in the rice fields.

Speaking at the occasion, the principal crop officer, Mr Kebba Jammeh said the training was specifically designed to prepare farmers for punctual cultivation of rice in the dry season.  According to him the workshop, held at Kuntaur agri-station, attracted over 30 participants from seven different villages within the northern part of CRR.  Mr. Jammeh said that the training placed specific emphasis on timely operation of both the dry and rainy season’s rice production with the ultimate aim to maximize output with minimum or no damage by wet weather.  He added the timely operation would preempt conflicts in water management as well as prevent unnecessary extension of one season into the next.

For his part the Taiwanese Technical Team Representative, Mr. Aboulie Mbake called on farmers to clear their fields properly and provide water control systems to facilitate good harvesting methods.  He intimated that improper clearing, bad water control, weed-infested fields, and bad leveling are all impediments for proper harvesting.

Mr. Ceesay, a farmer from Wassu Village spoke to The Point about the importance of the workshop which, according to him, couldn’t come at a better time.  He told us that the availability of machinery for primary soil cultivation such as tractors and power tillers is another constraint farmers in the area face.  He appealed to the authorities to release the machines on time and increase fuel allocation from 20 to 30 litres.