The ROOTS team on Monday commenced a visit to sites benefiting from the Subsidized Input Support for Rice Program in the Country. The Team started in Upper River Region (URR) to assess the progress of the fields as farmers begin harvesting.
Koro Jula Kunda:
The first stop of the tour, the team met with the lady president, Funnel Danso, who expressed deep appreciation to ROOTS for the timely support. She revealed that this is the community’s first year of support from ROOTS, and they are already expecting a bumper harvest.
“The rice we produced this year is healthier and better than the imported rice,” she said proudly.
The group has 81 members (46 women), and ROOTS ploughed 8 hectares for them. Funnel added that they are already saving part of their own contribution to sustain the support next season.
Jimara Baladagy:
Here, ROOTS ploughed 20 hectares, and farmers are equally anticipating a strong harvest. Community members expressed their gratitude, noting that ROOTS has revived rice cultivation in their area after years of abandonment.
“This year, most of us expect 40 bags of paddy or more. We can now eat from our fields and sell the surplus,” said one farmer.
Kanubeh:
Although last year’s floods affected participation, the numbrr farmers actively engaged this season has dropped. The fields are thriving, and farmers are optimistic about achieving excellent yields.
Garawol (Year 3 Site):
The final stop for Day 1 was Garawol, where harvesting and threshing are in full swing. Farmers here are already seeing impressive results.
Atou Jabbi, who was threshing her rice during the visit, said she has 29 bags of paddy so far compared to 16 bags last year.
The association’s secretary, Kissima Ceesay, explained that since partnering with ROOTS, their productivity and livelihoods have transformed:
“This year, some farmers have already harvested up to 57 bags of paddy, and threshing is still ongoing. We no longer buy imported rice. The money we used to spend on rice now goes to school fees, healthcare, and clothing. Thanks to ROOTS, our association now has healthy savings and can stand on its own.”
The Subsidized Input Support for Rice Program continues to demonstrate its transformative impact boosting productivity, enhancing food security, and empowering rural communities toward sustainability.