Barrow to Launch 205 Kilometers of Roads and Distribute 400 Farm Machines During Six-Day Tour, Minister Says

By Makutu Manneh

President Adama Barrow will embark on a six-day nationwide tour later this month to launch the construction of 205 kilometers of rural roads and distribute 400 pieces of agricultural machinery to farmers, according to the country’s agriculture minister.

Demba Sabally said the roads are intended to improve access between farming areas and major towns, highways, and markets, a move he described as essential for strengthening agricultural production and rural trade.

“We think this is extremely important to have access to these places,” Mr. Sabally said in an interview with QTV.

The distribution of farm equipment will take place in Brikamaba, where the minister said farmers will receive what he described as the largest single consignment of agricultural machinery ever delivered in the country. The equipment package includes power tillers, combine harvesters, and tractors, among other machines intended to support mechanized farming.

Mr. Sabally dismissed suggestions that the initiative was linked to the country’s election calendar, saying the government has consistently supplied farming equipment and supported land preparation efforts in previous years.

“This has very little to do with the election,” he said, noting that the ministry recently distributed 60 tractors to farmers ahead of the 2026 farming season.

He added that government programs in the agricultural sector have been ongoing, even if they have not always received widespread media coverage. “Maybe we have not been coming on TV to tell you about our activities, but we always have activities ongoing,” he said.