Written by: Badr Ahmed

President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, inspected a rice farm in the Torma Bom area of Bonthe district, calling on the private sector and investors to expand their investments in the agricultural sector and contribute to the implementation of the Feed Salone initiative, which aims to achieve food security and transform the country into a nation capable of meeting its food needs from local production.

President of Sierra Leone inspects Torma Bom farm

The visit, which the president made on Friday, came as part of monitoring the strategic agricultural projects implemented by the government to boost agricultural production and reduce dependence on imports, given that agriculture is one of the main drivers of economic growth in the country.

During the tour, the President was briefed on the rice cultivation work being carried out by the Fampole Rice Company and the Armed Forces of the Republic of Sierra Leone, where each cultivates an area of 1.5 hectares. He also inspected the irrigation canal construction work and associated infrastructure being carried out by the Pave Fort Construction Company, as part of the development of the farm and raising its productive efficiency.

During a meeting with farmers, investors, and local officials, President Julius Maada Bio affirmed his government's commitment to achieving food self-sufficiency, emphasizing the need to utilize the country's agricultural potential. He stated, "We must grow what we eat. I urge the private sector to invest in agriculture, and I am pleased to see that Vampole Rice is already producing for the market. I am also impressed by what they have accomplished in this region.".

He pointed out that Sierra Leone has the potential to become one of the leading countries in agricultural production, thanks to the abundance of fertile land, water resources and favorable climatic conditions, calling on local and foreign investors to seize the opportunities available in the agricultural sector.

The President praised the role played by the armed forces in supporting the Sierra Leone Feeding Initiative through participation in rice cultivation, calling on the police forces to launch similar agricultural initiatives that contribute to supporting efforts to achieve food security.

The President revealed a government plan to create the Coribondo-Turma Bom road, with the aim of improving access to the region, facilitating the transport of agricultural products, and reducing investment risks, thereby contributing to attracting more investors to the agricultural sector.

For his part, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kabaka, reviewed the most prominent investments and projects being implemented at the Torma Bom farm, praising the President’s continued support for the agricultural sector, and stressing that the government continues to work on transforming agriculture into a fundamental pillar of economic growth and enhancing food security.

For his part, the traditional leader of the Bom region, Alex Maada Kainbomo, expressed his appreciation to President Julius Maada Bio for reviving the Torma Bom farm project after more than four decades of neglect, praising the frequent visits of the Minister of Agriculture to the region, which reflect the government’s commitment to the success of the Feeding Sierra Leone initiative. .

The visit concluded with representatives of the government, traditional leaders and private sector partners reaffirming their commitment to expanding agricultural investments and strengthening cooperation, in support of the President’s vision to achieve food self-sufficiency, create new jobs and advance sustainable economic development in Sierra Leone.