The Government of Sierra Leone is intensifying its efforts to boost local rice production, aiming to enhance food security and reduce reliance on costly rice imports.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, emphasized the critical role of domestic rice production in ensuring food self-sufficiency for the nation.
Dr. Kpaka highlighted the significant progress made in 2024, with over 600,000 hectares of land successfully cultivated for rice production through collaborative efforts between the government and private sector stakeholders. This substantial increase in rice cultivation demonstrates the government’s commitment to supporting local farmers and increasing domestic rice output.
To further strengthen the local rice value chain, the government is investing heavily in infrastructure development. A key initiative involves the installation of a large-scale rice milling machine at Tormabum, a strategic location for rice production. This modern milling facility is expected to significantly enhance the processing and distribution of locally produced rice, improving its quality and market competitiveness.
By investing in modern agricultural technologies, improving infrastructure, and supporting local farmers, the government aims to increase the quantity and quality of locally produced rice. This will not only reduce the country’s reliance on expensive rice imports but also create employment opportunities for rural communities, stimulate economic growth, and enhance food security for all Sierra Leoneans.
The government recognizes that achieving rice self-sufficiency requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes providing farmers with access to quality seeds, fertilizers, and other essential inputs, improving access to credit and markets, and investing in research and development to enhance rice productivity and resilience.
The government’s commitment to boosting local rice production is a crucial step towards achieving food security and building a more sustainable and prosperous agricultural sector in Sierra Leone. By empowering local farmers and investing in the domestic rice value chain, the government aims to ensure that Sierra Leoneans have access to affordable, nutritious, and locally produced food.
ABJ/APA