By: Haruna Kuyateh
The Chief of Central Badibou, Alagie Jagne, has commended the ROOTS project for promoting intensive rice cultivation through subsidised input support and land preparation services aimed at easing farm labour and boosting productivity.
Speaking ahead of the 2026 farming season, Chief Jagne urged farmers to create fire belts around farm boundaries and preserve cattle tracks to strengthen relations between crop farmers and livestock herders and reduce potential conflicts.
He also encouraged farmers to diversify into other income-generating activities, saying this would contribute to household food security and improved livelihoods.
The chief, who is also a champion farmer, described the ROOTS intervention as a transformative initiative that has strengthened farmers’ capacity and improved timely sowing and planting of rice.
He further called on the public to remain vigilant and report cases of illegal cutting of tree branches for animal feed, saying such practices violate environmental protection regulations and should be reported to the district tribunal.
On transhumant herding activities, Chief Jagne stressed the need for compliance with environmental and agricultural rules to ensure peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.
He also thanked the government under President Adama Barrow for promoting inclusive national development, noting that peace and stability were essential for agricultural progress.
The chief urged citizens to remain law-abiding and contribute to the maintenance of peace, law, and order in their communities.