The third day of the Honourable Minister of Agriculture’s nationwide field visit began in Kwinella, Kiang Central Lower River Region, where the ROOTS Project, in partnership with Tresor Women Warriors, is proudly building a Tomato Processing Facility.
Aji Kumba Daffeh, President of Tresor Women Worries, described the intervention as “unprecedented”, highlighting its focus on sustainability, youth engagement, and creating opportunities for returnee migrants. With six months of technical assistance (ITA) secured, the group is committed to sourcing produce locally and establishing its own garden as a contingency measure.
The Honourable Governor commended the women for their dedication, while Hon. Omar Darboe, Chair of the National Assembly Select Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, noted the facility’s potential to reduce post-harvest losses and encouraged its replication nationwide. The ROOTS Project Director reaffirmed the commitment to sustainability, and the Permanent Secretary praised the Minister’s vision and leadership.
The Honourable Minister expressed gratitude to all partners, recognizing the facility as part of the Barrow Government’s major investments in Kwinella. He urged the women to source from local farmers and assured them that their requests—such as the need for a tractor is noted.
Boosting Rice Production in Pakalinding, Jarra West LRR
The visit then continued to Pakalinding, where ROOTS is supporting the ploughing of 17.5 hectares of rice fields—14 hectares of which are already completed—alongside the timely delivery of seeds, fertilizers, and herbicides.
Beneficiaries, such as Jalima Cham, a ROOTS Youth-Based Matching Grant awardee, shared how the project has transformed their lives, increasing their savings and even providing international exposure.
Regional leaders, including the Honourable Governor and the Regional Agriculture Director, praised ROOTS for its timely interventions and close collaboration with the Department of Agriculture. The Honourable Minister highlighted the remarkable growth of rice production sites in LRR—from just 3 in 2023 to 20 this year—and pledged continued support, including tractors through the matching grant scheme.
ROOTS is more than just a project—it is a partnership for food self-sufficiency, youth employment, and community empowerment.
The Honourable Minister also visited a rice production site in Jenoi supported by the P2P2RS Project of the Ministry of Agriculture