By Alex Lawrence Koroma
President Julius Maada Bio has lavished praise on Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, applauding his outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to revolutionizing Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector.
Speaking during a recent working visit to the Torma-Bum Rice Farm and other key agricultural initiatives in Bonthe District, the President described Dr. Kpaka’s role as pivotal in advancing the government’s ambitious agenda for food self-sufficiency under the Feed Salone initiative.
During the visit, President Bio assessed progress on the Torma-Bum Irrigation Scheme and the development of integrated rice processing facilities, central elements of the Sierra Leone Regional Rice Value Chain Development and the Sierra Leone Rice Agro-Industrial Cluster Projects. These projects, financed by the Islamic Development Bank (ISDB-BADEA) and the African Development Bank (AfDB), are designed to transform Torma-Bum into a strategic hub for large-scale irrigated rice production, processing, storage, and marketing, thereby significantly boosting local rice output.
Highlighting Dr. Kpaka’s dedication, President Bio revealed that the Paramount Chief of the chiefdom had noted that no minister in Sierra Leone’s history has visited the Torma-Bum site as frequently as the current agriculture minister. “I want to highly commend the Minister for the work he has done and his team,” the President said. He emphasized that under Dr. Kpaka’s stewardship, the Ministry of Agriculture has moved beyond policy formulation to actively champion practical initiatives that increase local food production and reduce reliance on rice imports.
President Bio further praised the ministry’s efforts in promoting modern farming methods and strengthening collaboration with farmers. “The Ministry has demonstrated strong commitment by forging partnerships and supporting farmers with scientific and technological interventions to improve crop yields,” he said.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, during the tour, elaborated on how the ministry is working hand-in-hand with farming communities, the military, and private sector actors such as Fambul Rice. He detailed ongoing technical support, training, and the promotion of improved agronomic practices aimed at boosting productivity.
Of particular note is the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces’ expanding rice farming project. The military has pledged to produce half of its rice needs from their own farms, showcasing a practical model of food self-reliance.
Dr. Kpaka explained that extension officers are actively engaging with farmers to identify challenges, implement effective technologies, and adopt best practices in weed control and crop management, all key factors contributing to increased rice yields. He also underscored the importance of research and quality assurance, revealing plans to enhance laboratory services focused on soil analysis and rice quality testing to maintain high standards and productivity.
President Bio hailed the military’s rice farming efforts as a shining example of what can be accomplished through strong collaboration between government institutions. “This project reflects our commitment to ensuring Sierra Leone produces enough food to feed its people, while simultaneously creating jobs and stimulating economic growth,” he stated.
Urging other state institutions to follow the military’s lead, the President stressed that agriculture must become a collective national mission. “We have the land, the rainfall, and the people. If we continue working together and remain committed, Sierra Leone has every opportunity to overcome food insecurity and lift its people out of poverty,” he insisted.
The President’s visit to Torma-Bum and surrounding agricultural sites signals the government’s intensified focus on accelerating agricultural production under the Feed Salone initiative. With the military’s growing rice project set to play a critical role, these efforts mark a decisive push toward achieving national food security and transforming Sierra Leone’s agricultural landscape.
President Bio’s commendation of Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka thus highlights not only the achievements of the Minister and his team, but also reinforces the government’s vision of a resilient, productive, and self-sufficient Sierra Leone through innovative agriculture and collaboration across sectors.
