DATE: 31st MARCH 2026,

Honourable Cabinet Ministers,

Honourable National Assembly Members

Secretary to the Cabinet and Head of the Civil Service,

The World Bank Resident Representatives,

Senior Government Officials,

Governor of the Central River Region,

District Chiefs,

Alkalolu and Religious Leaders

Esteemed Development Partners,

Members of the Diplomatic Corps,

Community Leaders,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my profound pleasure and honour to preside over this important ceremony, marking the handing over of modern agricultural production and processing equipment to our farmers under the Gambia Inclusive and Resilient Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (GIRAV), funded by the World Bank and the Government of The Gambia.

This event is not merely a symbolic gesture; it is a concrete demonstration of my government’s unwavering commitment to achieving national food security and self-sufficiency. At the core of our development agenda is the transformation of agriculture from subsistence-based production to a modern, resilient, and commercially viable sector, capable of feeding our nation and driving economic growth.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Government recognises that mechanisation is indispensable to this transformation. For too long, our farmers have relied on labour-intensive methods that limit productivity, constrain scale, and discourage youth participation. Through initiatives, such as GIRAV, we are deliberately investing in labour-saving technologies that reduce hard work, improve efficiency, and enhance output across the agricultural value chain.

The equipment being handed over today, comprising mini-combine harvesters, power tillers, rice threshers, maize shellers, and milling machines, represents a strategic shift towards modernised agriculture. These tools will not only ease the burden on our farmers but will also enable timely land preparation, planting, harvesting, and processing, thereby significantly increasing yields and overall productivity.

Equally important is our focus on reducing post-harvest losses, which have over the years, undermined food availability and farmer incomes. By investing in harvesting and processing technologies, my government is addressing inefficiencies that lead to waste and ensuring that more of what is produced reaches our markets and consumers. This is a critical pillar in our quest for food self-sufficiency.

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The GIRAV project continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening our agricultural systems through the promotion of climate-smart technologies, improved seed systems, and digital advisory services. These interventions are aligned with our broader national strategy to build a resilient agricultural sector capable of withstanding external shocks and ensuring sustainable food production.

Let me take this opportunity to express my government’s deep appreciation to the World Bank for its continued partnership and support in advancing our development priorities, particularly in agriculture, which remains the backbone of our economy.

I also commend the Ministry of Agriculture, the Central Projects Coordination Unit (CPCU), and all implementing partners for their dedication and the progress achieved under the GIRAV project. Your efforts are instrumental in delivering tangible results for our farmers and our nation.

To the beneficiaries, I urge you to take full ownership of this equipment. Maintain it diligently and utilise it not only for your benefit but also in service to your communities through cooperative approaches. Mechanisation must be shared, scaled, and sustained to maximise its impact.

In conclusion, let me reaffirm that my government will continue to prioritise investments in agriculture, particularly in mechanisation and value addition, as we pursue our national goal of food security, reduced import dependency, and economic resilience

I thank you all for your attention.