President Bio Hails Military’s Involvement In Food Security Drive
His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio undertook a working visit to assess the Torma-Bum Irrigation Scheme and integrated rice processing infrastructure in Bonthe District. The visit included tours of the ‘Fambul Rice’ project and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces’ (RSLAF) rice farms.
Implemented through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, these initiatives are funded by ISDB-BADEA and AfDB and aim to transform Torma-Bum into a major center for large-scale irrigated rice production, processing, storage, and marketing.
President Bio praised the military’s bold expansion into large-scale rice farming in Mattru, commending the Chief of Defence Staff and soldiers for their active role in food production despite challenging rainy conditions. The RSLAF has cultivated approximately 4,000 acres with plans to expand, alongside developing necessary infrastructure to support processing and storage.
The President emphasized that Sierra Leone has no excuses when it comes to food production, highlighting the country’s fertile land, adequate rainfall, and available manpower. He urged a removal of excuses and called for focus on winning the battle against food insecurity.
Highlighting partnerships between government, military, and private sector initiatives like Fambul Rice, the President noted efforts to assist farmers with modern techniques, technology, and tackling issues like weeds and low productivity.
In a significant call to action, President Bio challenged other state institutions, specifically urging the Sierra Leone Police to replicate the military’s farming initiative and contribute to the national food production drive starting next year.
He also commended the Minister of Agriculture’s dedication and stressed the importance of scientific farming practices such as soil and rice-quality testing for sustainable productivity.
Concluding that agriculture remains the strongest pathway out of poverty, President Bio reaffirmed that Sierra Leone has the conditions to produce sufficient food for domestic consumption and export, which in turn will create jobs and strengthen the economy.
This visit underscores the government’s broader effort to boost domestic rice production and enhance national food security through coordinated multi-sectoral collaboration.
