In a significant move to support agricultural development in the district, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, through the National Federation of Farmers of Sierra Leone (NaFF-SL), have started the distribution of 1,000 bags of DAP fertilizer to local farmers in Pujehun District last Thursday, August 22nd, 2024.

The symbolic distribution, which covered all 14 chiefdoms in the district, is part of the government’s “Feed Salone” initiative aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and self-sufficiency. Peter Massaquoi, the Pujehun District Coordinator of NaFF-SL, expressed gratitude to the attendees and emphasized the significance of the free fertilizer distribution in realizing the government’s “Feed Salone” goals.

Massaquoi revealed that the beneficiary farmers were selected based on their registration with the federation, which has been working to establish a comprehensive database of local farmers in the district and issue them with identification cards.

Sahr Emmanuel Yambasu, the Chief Administrator of the Pujehun District Council, commended the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for its support and urged the farmers to utilize the fertilizers effectively to increase their production. He highlighted the council’s close collaboration with the ministry and other development partners in achieving significant progress under the leadership of the Minister of Agriculture, Henry Musa Kpaka.

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Madam Lucy Koker, the Pujehun District Agriculture Officer, explained that the DAP fertilizer is best suited for vegetables and rice crops. She stated that the ministry has been working closely with NaFF-SL to facilitate the distribution and provide education to farmers on the proper application of the fertilizers.

Koker emphasized that the fertilizers are not for sale and warned that any individual found selling the fertilizers in the market will be prosecuted. She also disclosed that while the district has over 3,000 registered farmers, not all of them will receive the free fertilizers, as priority will be given to those who are registered.

Ibrahim Kabineh Kawa, a master farmer in Pujehun, expressed gratitude to the government for the timely intervention and noted that this was not the first time the farmers had benefited from the free fertilizer distribution. He assured the authorities that the farmers would utilize the fertilizers for their intended purpose.

The event was well-received by the local farmers, who acknowledged the ministry’s efforts and vowed to use the fertilizers properly to boost their agricultural productivity. They also called on the youth to engage in agricultural activities in the district.

This initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in collaboration with NaFF-SL, is expected to contribute significantly to the “Feed Salone” campaign and enhance the overall agricultural output in Pujehun District.