The Taiwanese Technical Mission (TTM) stationed in Sapu, will double acreage of tidal irrigation farm to help local farmers propagate more rice seeds for the attainment of the country’s food self-sufficiency by 2015, according to Dr Patrick Chang, Taiwanese Ambassador to The Gambia.

In a speech delivered at the 96th Anniversary of the Taiwan National Day on October 10, Ambassador Chang, said the TTM, together with the farmers in Sapu, has reclaimed about 1,000 hectares of tidal irrigation farm (Kuntaur 326 hectares, Jahally 440 hectares, Kuwareh, Pacharr 480 hectares). “The unit yield is high,” he said.

He said a hectare can produce about 10 tons of rice, saying that “with 1,000 hectares, it can produce 10,000 tons of rice.”

“With a view to reaching food self-sufficiency, by the year 2015, my Embassy has suggested that Taipei dispatch a delegation to come here to conduct a feasibility study. A report has been submitted and a task force has been formed to prepare a master plan before the end of the year,” he explained.

He then added: “Our horticulturalists are also assisting women farmers to grow vegetables in Banjulinding, Ndemban, Bakau, and NARI experiment farm.”