The ROOTS Project has officially handed over a site in Foni Bintang for the construction of a D6 million Onion Curing Facility, as part of the Crisis Response Initiative (CRI). This facility, one of four being built across the country, aims to reduce post-harvest losses and empower smallholder farmers by enhancing local production and market access.
The Honorable Minister of Agriculture, in his remarks, highlighted the various forms of support the ROOTS Project is providing to farmers, including input for rice and vegetables, community gardens, and infrastructure like cold storage and processing facilities. He urged the community to take ownership of the investment and ensure its sustainability.
The Regional Governor expressed his gratitude, emphasizing the positive impact the facility will have, especially for women farmers. The ROOTS Project Director also reaffirmed the project’s commitment to timely completion and high-quality construction.
Community leaders, including the Lady President and the Alkalo, thanked the project for its support, pledging to make the best use of the facility once completed. The facility will play a crucial role in reducing post-harvest losses, improving storage conditions, and increasing the marketability of onions.
This D6 million facility represents a key step in improving agricultural resilience and supporting farmers in The Gambia, ensuring that their produce can be better stored and sold at higher quality, ultimately benefiting the community at large.
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) FIDAfrique-IFADAfrica Gambia Youth Chamber of Commerce Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry – GCCI Gambia Women’s Chamber Of Commerce Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)