In a significant step towards achieving food self-sufficiency, Pee Cee Agriculture Limited is set to revolutionize agriculture in Sierra Leone with its ambitious onion farming project in Lungi. With an investment of $12 million backed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the company is currently cultivating 70 hectares of onions twice a year, totaling 140 hectares and yielding between 6,300 and 8,400 metric tons annually. This production is expected to account for approximately 25% of the country’s onion imports, significantly easing the nation’s reliance on foreign produce.
The Ministry of Agriculture has expressed strong support for Pee Cee Agriculture’s efforts, emphasizing the impact of increased local yields on national food security. The anticipated onion yield of 45 to 60 metric tons per hectare illustrates the potential for major contributions to local production levels. As the company taps into innovative farming techniques in collaboration with experts from Njala University and the IFC, it promises to set new standards for agricultural practices in the region.
Pee Cee Agriculture Limited is not just stopping at onions. The company intends to boost maize production for poultry feed, planning to cultivate an additional 150 hectares. With the growing demand for locally produced maize, this initiative will further enhance food security and support the poultry sector within the country. Additionally, the company is preparing to pilot a cassava cultivation project on 50 hectares in Lungi, with long-term plans to expand to over 5,000 hectares in the cassava belt. This expansion will not only provide raw materials for a proposed flour factory but also contribute to reducing flour imports, thereby saving vital resources for the country.
“By diversifying our crops and focusing on local production, we aim to bolster the economy and support the livelihoods of smallholder farmers,” stated Mahesh Nandwani, CEO of Pee Cee and Sons. “Our mission aligns with the government’s goal of ensuring food sovereignty and sustainability for future generations.”
The positive outcomes of this initiative are palpable. By offering employment opportunities, improving income for over 900 smallholder farmers, and supporting community infrastructure—such as the renovation of a maternal health clinic—Pee Cee Agriculture is undertaking a holistic approach to development. The benefits extend beyond mere agricultural output; they encompass social responsibility and community welfare.
One of the key components of Pee Cee’s operations is the establishment of an on-site processing facility aimed at reducing post-harvest losses, which plague many agricultural ventures in Sierra Leone. With improved storage and processing techniques, the company prepares to maintain the quality of its produce and increase market access. This step is crucial as it not only enables the reduction of waste but also promotes value addition, creating more job opportunities along the supply chain.
As the country grapples with challenges related to food scarcity, rising prices of imported goods, and economic instability, the efforts of Pee Cee Agriculture Limited shine brightly as a beacon of hope. Locally grown onions are not only fresher and more affordable than imported alternatives, but they also contribute directly to the local economy. The initiative is part of a vertically integrated structure under Pee Cee Holding Ltd, which encompasses farming, storage, and distribution across Sierra Leone, its neighboring countries, Liberia, and Guinea.
Looking ahead, the potential for growth in the agriculture sector is vast. With the increasing focus on sustainable farming practices and the integration of modern techniques such as drip irrigation, Pee Cee Agriculture stands at the forefront of an agricultural revolution in Sierra Leone. By fostering partnerships with educational institutions, government bodies, and international organizations, the company is well-positioned to lead the transformation of Sierra Leone’s agricultural landscape.
As Pee Cee Agriculture Limited embarks on this journey, it emphasizes that true progress hinges on collaborative efforts, innovation, and a deep commitment to uplifting local communities. With the prospect of food security on the horizon, the people of Sierra Leone stand to benefit significantly from these transformative initiatives.
