By Henry Kargbo
Following increase in production and sales of most products, the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL), raised concern over the inability of local farmers to cultivate sorghum to meet the company’s production demands.
Corporate Affairs Manager, SLBL Foday Daboh Thursday 20 July 2023 made the disclosure during a press conference held at the company’s Wellington Industrial Estate headquarters in the East of Freetown. He attributed the reason to Sorghum Farmers’ Association that has an understanding with the company but seems unable to supply the required amount of sorghum.
“As a company we are doing all we could to enhance large scale cultivation of sorghum, yet still importing sorghum despite opportunities given to farmers cultivating sorghum in the country,” he noted, and continued that over the years the company has been providing seedings, advance cash payments, motorbikes among other goodies to local farmers across the country to enhance timely cultivation of sorghum.
This, Daboh explained had created increased yield of sorghum from less than 1,000 metric tonnes in the previous years to over 25,000 metric tonnes. As a result, he continued, the company encouraged local farmers, youth groups and organizations to venture into the cultivation of sorghum as the company remains a trusted market for their yield.
“We have requested farmers to extend to large scale cultivation of sorghum in order to meet the high demand of the company,” Daboh said.
Sorghum is one of SLBL’s primary raw materials used in the production of beer, maltina and other products. Less cultivation of the crop has resulted to lesser and irregular productions of the varieties of products.
“SLBL is in full compliance with the local content policy that is why the company continues to encourage farmers to embark on sorghum cultivation” Daboh noted. Before now, the company was using rice as raw material, with the high demand for the country’s staple food, the company decided to substitute sorghum, Daboh told the media.
Communication Manager, Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL) Unisa Conteh also extended hands to more local farmers, young graduates and youth to embark on Sorghum cultivation.
