Investment in Agriculture is Key…
President Bio Stated at State Opening of Parliament
By Elizabeth Campbell
President Julius Maada Bio during the state opening of the sixth parliament of Sierra Leone called for investment in Agriculture.
President Bio gave highlights on what his government has done during this period and the progress made since his re-election into office in 2023.
“We have expanded rice production areas to include inland valley swamps, irrigated fields, and mechanised services to expedite land preparation. We have also increased mechanisation by providing tractors, harvesters, rice mills, and three landing craft for riverine areas,” the President said.
On cooperatives, President Bio noted that his government has reintroduced the cooperative system to support rice farming and cocoa production and marketing.
“My government has supported the establishment of the first cocoa processing factory, a sardine factory using local ingredients, a cashew processing factory, and a large-scale egg production and poultry hatchery. My government has also created hubs in key rice production areas, rehabilitated markets, replaced hand- drawn ferries with bridges and constructed a dyke and 35 kilometres of feeder roads,” he said.
The President noted that to have a productive agriculture sector there is every need to invest more into the sector as only by this the country will be able to progress.
Sierra Leone has tailored financial solutions such as Community Banks, a US$10 Million Agriculture Credit Facility at a 10% interest rate, and a pioneering crop insurance scheme worth NLe28 Million.
The country is also looking at Ag-Tech and Climate-Smart Agriculture. The government has also introduced technology to support agricultural research, established an early warning system for food security, a soil digital information system, and a national farmers registry linked to national identity numbers.
On the empowerment of women and youth, President Bio noted that his government has expanded the participation of women and youth in agriculture, particularly in post- production rice processing.
The government has also expanded Rice Production and this include rice production inland valley swamps, irrigated fields, and mechanised services to expedite land preparation.
On mechanized farming he said his government has increased mechanisation by providing tractors, harvesters, rice mills, and three landing craft for riverine areas.
President Bio noted that Research and Quality Inputs is key. This he said will deliver high-quality inputs for optimal yields in key value chains, including rice, cocoa, and onions.
President Bio zoom in on the aspect of inclusion adding that the country will not move forward if Sierra Leoneans do not work together as a people.
The president spoke about hope, inclusion, shared future.
“Our shared vision is our goal and we must all make effort in working together as a people. The only way we can deliver for our people is by working together,” he said.
