Information Minister Says Government Aims to Achieve Rice Self-Sufficiency by 2030

By Fatou Sillah

The Minister of Information, Media, and Broadcasting Services, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving rice self-sufficiency by 2030, describing the goal as a key priority of President Adama Barrow’s administration.

Speaking in an interview with West Coast Radio, Dr. Ceesay said the government has established a dedicated Rice Department within the Ministry of Agriculture to spearhead research and support initiatives aimed at increasing domestic rice production.

“Rice self-sufficiency is a priority of the Barrow government to the extent that they have established what they call a rice department within the Ministry of Agriculture just to focus on rice research support to make sure that by 2030 we are self-sufficient; that is the target of the government,” he said.

Dr. Ceesay emphasized that the government’s strategy is not centered on directly operating farms, but rather on facilitating private sector participation and creating conditions that encourage investment in rice production.

“Government doesn’t necessarily have to have farms; what the government can do is support private sector investments into rice farming, and that is what the government is doing—creating the right enabling environment to ensure that by 2030 we don’t import rice and that every rice we eat in this country is grown by Gambians. That is our target,” he said.

The minister also highlighted ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Security to transform the agricultural sector through research-driven interventions designed to improve yields, increase farmers’ incomes, and strengthen national food security.

According to Dr. Ceesay, the ministry is currently conducting rice research trials across several regions of the country to identify effective strategies for boosting productivity and supporting local farmers.

“The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Security has advanced its agricultural transformation agenda through ongoing rice research trials across multiple regions to improve productivity, farmer incomes, and support national rice self-sufficiency through evidence-based interventions,” he said.

The government’s push for rice self-sufficiency forms part of broader efforts to reduce dependence on food imports, enhance food security, and strengthen the country’s agricultural sector as a driver of economic growth and rural development.