Kanilai boost to life and activity every rainy season, with President Jammeh personally leading work in his numerous fields in his home village and its vicinity. He had said he is not the only President Farmer but he is so far the only President that has influence so much change with regards to farming.

Volunteers from across the country continuously storm Kanilai to offer assistance to the Gambian leader’s ongoing large scale agricultural venture. The most recent ones are the recruits of the Gambia Armed Forces who numbered about one thousand. They have since their arrival rid most farms off their weeds and are pushing on so strongly with the motto work to finish. They were on Sunday in the President’s groundnut field, where he caught up with them and was certainly impressed not only by their output but also the loyalty that have guided their work.

He has insisted the primary goal is to meet domestic food requirement of the country. There had been no doubts the Agricultural Ministry would go the extra mile in ensuring the objectives of the go back to land call are met. He took over the ministry with much desire to make difference    the Agricultural sector. As it is said, no one makes a better mark in handling any sec    tor than thee one who has personal and practical experience in the field:
Even with Agricultural mechanization, machines are not effective at all stages of the farming season. Local implements are still being used to help advance work in the fields. The “kajackdak” groups are most effective with regards to neutralising the weeds before sowing. They have been one of the first groups to arrive in Kanilai this season under the leadership of the National assembly member for Kombo south, Hon. Paul Mendy.

Volunteers often say their efforts are influence by the need to return gratitude to The Gambian leader for assisting their way to success. Gambians of all walks of life have been direct or indirect beneficiaries of President Jammeh’s benevolence, providing them opportunities never before seen in the country’s history. His government has given great priority to the key sectors of Health, Education and Agriculture, with students who excelled in these areas offered scholarship to acquire degrees relevant to the development of the nation.

The second batch of the Venezuelan student for 2009/ 2010 academic year who are expected to leave the country in September, undertake in one of last activities before they finally depart for Caracass:
Efforts have now been directed to encouraging afforestation as measures to regain the country’s natural cover. Tree felling and other illegal activities in the country’s forest have threaten the existing eco-system, increasing The Gambia’s vulnerability as it battles an encroaching desertification. The President announced a tree planting competition amongst schools as part of celebrations marking the 15th Anniversary of the July 22nd Revolution.

Kanilai gears up for busy weeks as work intensify in the numerous farms owned by the Gambian leader.

Report by Abdou Njie