By: Marian Magdalene Bangura- Strategic Communications Unit, Ministry of Information and Civic Education.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, has commended the Minister of Information and Civic Education (MoICE), Chernor Bah, for organizing an exceptional press briefing on Tuesday, January 14, 2024, at the Miatta Conference Centre. He praised the selection of a timely and sensitive topic, addressing the critical issue of food security, which, according to him, is a matter of national importance.
Speaking at the Press briefing, Dr. Kpaka underscored the nation’s capacity to achieve food self-sufficiency, particularly in rice production. “As a country, we have all that we need. We should be growing our own rice and consuming it,” he remarked.
He urged citizens to prioritize the purchase of locally-produced rice, emphasizing that doing so would provide significant economic benefits and align with President Bio’s vision of self-reliance under the Feed Salone Initiative.
Dr. Kpaka described the recent reduction in the wholesale price of imported rice as a strategic, temporary measure aimed at making rice more affordable, whilst the government works towards achieving self-sufficiency in production.
He disclosed that over 600,000 hectares of rice were cultivated in 2024 through collaborative efforts between the government and private sector stakeholders.
Highlighting ongoing efforts to modernize agriculture, the minister revealed that irrigation projects are underway; and that a large-scale rice milling machine is being installed at Tormabum. Such advancements, he noted, are pivotal to ensure that locally-produced rice becomes readily available in shops nationwide.
To fully implement the Feed Salone Project Strategy, Dr. Kpaka estimated a financial requirement of $2.8 billion, and called on all stakeholders to contribute to such an ambitious but achievable vision. “The private sector is a critical partner in advancing President Bio’s agricultural agenda,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of sustained collaboration.
Hicham El Zein, Manager of Commodity Trading Company (CTC), praised the government for stabilizing the exchange rate, a factor he said has significantly impacted the affordability of imported rice.
Whilst commending ongoing initiatives, El Zein encouraged the government to increase local rice production and lower its cost to ensure it remains competitive in the market.
Dr. Kpaka concluded by reiterating the government’s unwavering commitment to achieving self-sufficiency in rice production.
With continued investments in agriculture and support from stakeholders, the Feed Salone Initiative aims to transform Sierra Leone’s food security landscape, ensuring that the country not only feeds itself but thrives as a leading agricultural economy in the region.
