Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving self-sufficiency in rice production.
Speaking at a press briefing organized by the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Mr. Chernor Bah, at the Miatta Conference Centre, Dr. Kpaka emphasized the urgency of boosting local rice cultivation as part of the Feed Salone Initiative.
Dr. Kpaka stated that Sierra Leone has the resources necessary to produce its own rice and urged citizens to support locally-produced rice to enhance economic growth. He noted that reducing dependence on imported rice aligns with President Julius Maada Bio’s vision for self-reliance in food security.
As a short-term measure, the government has implemented a reduction in the wholesale price of imported rice to ensure affordability while working towards long-term self-sufficiency. Dr. Kpaka disclosed that over 600,000 hectares of rice were cultivated in 2024 through joint efforts between the government and private sector stakeholders.
To modernize agriculture, the minister announced ongoing irrigation projects and the installation of a large-scale rice milling machine at Tormabum. These measures aim to improve processing capacity and ensure the availability of locally-produced rice in markets across the country. Dr. Kpaka estimated that the full implementation of the Feed Salone Project Strategy would require $2.8 billion and called for greater investment from all stakeholders.
“The private sector is a critical partner in advancing President Bio’s agricultural agenda,” Dr. Kpaka said, stressing the importance of sustained collaboration.
Hicham El Zein, Manager of Confidence Trading Company (CTC), commended the government’s efforts to stabilize the exchange rate, which has helped make imported rice more affordable. However, he encouraged increased local rice production and cost reductions to make it competitive in the market.
Dr. Kpaka reiterated the government’s commitment to achieving food self-sufficiency through continued investment in agriculture. The Feed Salone Initiative aims to position Sierra Leone as a leading agricultural economy in the region, ensuring long-term food security and economic growth.
The Feed Salone should adopt a Chiefdom wide Approach…Every Chiefdom with substantial arable Land should be capacitated to produce Rice. Milling and Packaging should be done at District level rather than in one location. Paramount Chiefs should play a leading role with support from public and private sectors. Solar Irrigation systems should be explored to ensure year round production.
2.8 billion dollars? They want us to laugh. These corrupt thieves no longer want millions to chap they want billions. Beforw, they said it woould tale I think 400 million, now it is five times that. No one is giving us that kind of money, so I guess no rice development. Thieves! Thanks for making us laugh. 2.8 billion. Ha ha.