Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, officially declared the commencement of this year’s planting season in Torma Bum on March 15, 2024, marking a significant milestone for the agricultural sector.

The event brought together key stakeholders, farmers, and representatives from agribusiness companies, signaling a moment of significant transformation in the sector.

During the ceremony, the Minister inaugurated the Operation Feed Salone drive at the cultivation area of the Regional Rice Value Chain Project and Rice Agro Industry Cluster Project (RAIC) in Makita Village, Bum Chiefdom.

It was disclosed that the Regional Rice Value Chain Project is undertaking plowing activities on 1000 hectares, while the Rice Agro Industry Cluster is cultivating 1200 hectares for this year’s planting season.

This initiative highlights the government’s unwavering commitment to developing the rice value chain and enhancing food security, with the aim of increasing rice production and productivity while providing crucial support to local farmers.

Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, Chairman of the President’s Initiative for Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security, and his team joined the Minister to grace the occasion, demonstrating their support for the implementation strategy of Feed Salone.

Torma Bum is increasingly being recognized by many Sierra Leoneans as a potential hub for agricultural development, with expectations that it will contribute significantly to the success of the Feed Salone project and bolster agricultural productivity in the region.