By Fatou B. Cham
Despite some challenges the Jahally and Pachar Rice Fields in the Central River Region are undergoing successful revitalization with the prospects of fulfilling the national desire to be the food basket of the country.
The Jahally and Pacharr rice projects had been initiated by the former government of Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara for the communities in the Central River Region. The rice cultivations in these arable lands were some of the most productive agricultural programmes as far as rice farming is concerned. However, over the years it has experienced significant decline in productivity due to the lack of investment it used to have.
Since the change of government in 2017, efforts are being galvanised to resuscitate the wilting lands, with the aim to restore its lost glory and contribute to feeding the nation.
In an interview with .Foday Jadama, Regional Agricultural Director, CRR South, he affirmed that various interventions and strategies are being employed to keep the sites alive and ensure they serve their purpose.
He said due to the good organisation of the farmers in Jahally and through their efforts, they were able to complement the efforts of the Ministry, Department, and the Regional Agricultural Directorate by delisting their canal to facilitate and enhance the flow of water.
He revealed that most of the farmers; especially in Jahally, are on the verge of harvesting their rice.
“Years ago, before I was posted here, the field called unit 1 and other units were not being cultivated for years, but through our intervention, encouragement, and guidance, the rice field is now being cultivated,”. Mr Jadama disclosed.
Contrary to some recent claims, the Regional director clarified that the fields which are currently facing water shortage in Jahally and Pachar are isolated fields which have much to do with Pachar and Wellingara.
Mr Jadama however admitted that there are challenges they are dealing with which need to be addressed in order for them fulfill their dream. “Yes we have problems. Some of the gates of the canals which are meant to manage water are not functioning well; nonetheless, at our level, we have provided pumping machines about three of it to assist where farmers cannot get water through the natural flow to pump it in,” he acknowledged.
The Director informed that they had just concluded a meeting with the farmer organisation and that their next effort was to help the farmer organisations to be effective and efficient farmers. “That is why we have extension workers who help with the organisation and orientation for the farmers to be able to start on time and to be able to manage the fields, infrastructure and as well as to be able to contribute and complement government’s support,” he said.
Tijan Sanneh, Irrigation Engineer of the Central Project Coordinating Unit (CPCU) affirmed that some fields are currently facing water shortage but as the way it was exaggerated in recent media publications.
“For Jahally, right now 80% of the field is green and most of the fields are having water,” he attested. He revealed that the fields that lack water have delisting problem while some of the plots are high, and are areas that are not under tidal production.
Mr Sanneh recalled that some two years ago the challenges at the Pacharr rice field; specifically at units 1, 2, and 3 were assessed. These he said were the areas farmers lodged complaint about, and they are the areas set to be rehabilitated by the Regional Rice Value Chain project.