President Julius Maada Bio has awarded Med-Tulai Agro Dealer, a Makeni-based agribusiness, for its outstanding contribution to Sierra Leone’s food security and agricultural development.

The recognition came during a ceremony at the Koidu New Sembehun City stadium in Kailahun, marking the celebration of World Food Day and the first anniversary of the Feed Salone government initiative.

Presenting the award, President Bio praised the CEO of Med-Tulai Agribusiness, Kadija Bangura, for her leadership in supporting the Feed Salone agenda and empowering female farmers across the country.

He assured that his government will continue to create a conducive environment for private sector participation in the agricultural sector.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, highlighted Med-Tulai’s role as a key private sector player, particularly for its recent investment in new tractors to boost food productivity and its ongoing support to the country’s homegrown school feeding program.

The agribusiness supplies locally processed parboiled rice for the initiative, contributing to national food self-sufficiency.

Dr. Kpaka, who had recently visited and commissioned Med-Tulai’s $75,000 rice processing facility and large rice farm, urged other private sector actors to follow Med-Tulai’s example.

He emphasized the importance of commercial agriculture in achieving sustainable food security in Sierra Leone.

In her acceptance speech, CEO Kadija Bangura dedicated the award to women farmers across Sierra Leone, encouraging them to engage in commercial agriculture for economic empowerment.

She expressed her commitment to further expanding Med-Tulai’s impact along the rice value chain.

As part of the award, Med-Tulai Agribusiness received a free combined harvester, valued at thousands of dollars, to further enhance its productivity.

The award has been seen as a testament to Med-Tulai’s consistent efforts in the agricultural sector and its role in advancing Sierra Leone’s food security agenda.