The Government of Sierra Leone recently graced Sierratec Secure Company's symbolic rice harvesting ceremony, marking a significant milestone in the country's agricultural sector.
The event, held at the company's 2,500-hectare rice farm in Makari Chiefdom, Bombali District, showcased the potential for agricultural growth and food security in Sierra Leone.
The ceremony was attended by high-ranking government officials, including Presidential Spokesperson Alhaji Alpha Kanu, Resident Minister North West Region Ambassador Umaru Bun Wurrie, and Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sahr Hemore.
Presidential spokesperson Alhaji Alpha Kanu commended Sierratec's CEO, Sallieu Kanu, for his contributions to the government's Feed Salone Agenda. "The country's rice importation rate has reduced in the last two years, thanks to initiatives like Sierratec's and government support through loan and grant schemes," Alhaji Kanu said.
Ambassador Umaru Bun Wurrie, who represented President Julius Maada, called on other Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora to emulate the patriotism demonstrated by Sallieu Kanu "If each district in Sierra Leone can have one Sallieu Kanu, food security drive will be achieved within the shortest possible time," he said. He expressed his delight with the progress made by Sierratec and praised the company's commitment to investing in Sierra Leone's agricultural sector.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sahr Hemore stated that there is a policy in place to encourage indigenous farmers or companies like Sierratec to access financial support to expand their growth and add value to their products. He said that the government is committed to supporting the agriculture sector to achieve President Bio's dream of a food-secure country through the Feed Salone Agenda.
Sierratec's investment in agriculture is a testament to the potential for growth and development in our country, according to Deputy Minister of Agriculture. He added that the government is committed to supporting initiatives like this to achieve food security.
Sierratec Secure Company has invested heavily in modern farm equipment, from ploughing to processing and marketing.
The company supplies locally produced rice to the World Food Programme for the school feeding project in Sierra Leone.
Manager of Sierratec, Ibrahim Kamara, acknowledged the government's technical and financial support, which has enabled the company to reach this milestone.
Chernor Jalloh, Chief Financial Officer, highlighted stray cattle grazing on crops as a major challenge discouraging many farmers in the district.
Despite this, Sierratec remains committed to its mission to contribute to Sierra Leone's food security.
Sierratec is poised to double its production from 2,500 hectares to 5,000 hectares in the next planting season, providing more job opportunities for young people in the communities.
The company currently employs nearly 100 workers, mostly youth, and is expected to create more jobs with its expansion plans.
As part of its social responsibility, Sierratec has provided support to subsistence farmers, including ploughing and seeds.
The company has also invested in rural electrification, which has improved the lives of people in the operational communities.
The symbolic rice harvesting ceremony is a testament to the potential for agricultural growth in Sierra Leone.
With government support and investments like Sierratec's, the country can achieve food security and reduce its reliance on imported rice.
As the country looks to the future, it is clear that agriculture will play a critical role in driving economic growth and development.
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