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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 28916, member: 2262"] China has really helped Gambia grow more food recently, Agriculture Minister Demba Sabally told Xinhua Wednesday. Gambia produced over 48,000 tons of rice in 2024, their biggest harvest ever. Chinese teams brought new farming technologies and better infrastructure that made this possible. Sabally mentioned that Chinese experts introduced high-quality rice types to the Gambia, including special high-yield and hybrid seeds. These new varieties became important for improving Gambian farming. The partnership between these countries has grown stronger. The second phase of their agricultural cooperation project officially started on February 24, 2023. This second phase progresses well with successful demonstrations of high-yield technology. The project selected and promoted good crop varieties, provided technical training, and supported infrastructure. Gambian officials appreciate this help, especially with rice growing techniques, farm machinery use, and support for local farming groups. Sabally said Chinese experts solved many problems for Gambian farmers. During both phases of cooperation, many Gambian agricultural officials traveled to China for training. Chinese farming experts came to Gambia to teach local officials and farmers new methods. Because of this training, Gambian farms can use machines for preparing land, planting, harvesting, and processing crops. The new growing techniques helped large Gambian farms produce up to 10.8 tons of hybrid rice per hectare. Even regular farmer-managed fields reached about 7 tons per hectare. The demonstration areas showcased more than 20 high-yield rice varieties, including all 11 main rice types grown in Gambia and 9 Chinese hybrid rice varieties. Sabally visited China twice between 2023 and 2024. He was very impressed by how modern Chinese farming has become and by their urban development. He noticed that China faced similar economic challenges decades ago as Gambia does today. China made huge progress through smart development plans. During his visits, Sabally toured several rice-growing areas in China. He observed their efficient land planning, irrigation systems, and water management practices. He explained that Gambia wants to learn from China to achieve food security and reduce imported food. Their goal is for self-sufficient rice production by 2030. Sabally emphasized that food security equals national security and remains a top priority. He stated that countries without food security cannot achieve stability or development. This explains why Gambia invests heavily in farmland development, agricultural machines, and farmer education. They actively seek partnerships with countries like China to learn from their success stories. The minister concluded that the Gambia plans to continue sending agricultural staff to China for advanced training. He looks forward to deeper cooperation in modernizing farming, developing new technologies, and building agricultural talent for the future. [/QUOTE]

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