The second phase of the Honourable Minister of Agriculture’s nationwide field visit to Project sites began today. The site for ROOTS was in Kartong, Kombo South, a thriving Subsidized Input Support Programme for Rice site.
From 15ha last year to 30ha this season, the Gheco Farmer Organization is doubling its impact with ROOTS’ support in ploughing, seeds, fertilizer, and herbicides. Farmers appealed for modern machinery to scale up production, with the Hon. Minister encouraging to keep the momentum and have a sustainability plan. He promised them a power tiller to boost their capacity. Their application for a combine harvester and tricycle was also approved by the ROOTS, who are now waiting for their counterpart funding (20%) to procure the equipment.
The delegation also visited Gunjur, where ROOTS is constructing a cold store with a 50-year lifespan, expected to be ready in October, to help preserve produce for up to six months.
In Giboro Kuta, women farmers showcased their rehabilitated vegetable garden, abandoned for 10 years before ROOTS’ intervention. They expressed gratitude and pledged full-scale dry-season production, while appealing for improved access roads and transport to markets.
The Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to achieving rice self-sufficiency within five years, empowering rural communities, and sustaining the gains made through the ROOTS Project.