“Rice is our nation’s dietary staple food and a symbol of our cultural identity said Ousman Jammeh Secretary General and Head of the Civil Service when he deputized for the Minister of Agriculture, President Jammeh at the 28th ordinary session council of ministers of Arica rice Center held at the Kairaba Beach Hotel.
Africa rice center is a leading Pan- African research organisation with a mission to contribute to poverty alleviation and food security in Africa through development and partnership activities aimed at increasing the productivity and profitability of the rice sector while ensuring the sustainability of the farming environment.
He noted that historical records suggest that cultivation of rice was already established along the West African coast prior to the arrival of the Portuguese.
He further stated that Africa must be premised on a strong agricultural sector characterised by not only food self –sufficiency but food surplus and food exports.
Jammeh added that his government has also been indefatigable in its support of Gambian farmers, especially the women farmers.   
Hon.Abdou Kolley, who deputized for the deputy minister of agriculture at the meeting, also spoke at length on the development of rice cultivation in Africa.
He stated that Africa have to graduate from a major importer of rice to one of the world’s largest exporter of rice.
“Africa Rice board chairman, Mr. Peter Matlon said The Gambia as a doyen among the member states and shareholders can be justifiably proud of the achievements of Africa Rice and many awards this center has received during the 40 years of services to the rice sector in Africa,” he said.
The 28th ordinary session of the council of ministers is conveyed at a time when the World is witnessing global financial uncertainty as commodity prices are sky rocketing daily.
Ada Gaye, permanent secretary ministry of agriculture, chaired the opening ceremony.