A delegation from Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) led by Deputy Minister 1, Dr. Theresa Tenneh Dick is on a working visit to Egypt from November 11-17.
At a meeting with General Moktar Mostafa, Chairman and Managing Director of El – Nasr Company for Immediate Chemicals (NCIC), the two sides reviewed cooperation areas detailing priority needs. The pair express delight over the meeting while touching on progress made so far in their respective countries, and with this strategic partnership, what both countries stand to benefit.
General Mostafa declared that within five years, the company has the capability of producing and supplying fertilizer, Caustic Soda, Industrial Gases of different types, Hydrogen parodlxide, liquid chlorine, pesticides for agricultural and household use. He underscored the need for a dedicated start.
Dr. Theresa T. Dick focus attention to Sierra Leone’s number one priority program of the Big Five Game Changer ” Feed Sierra Leone” and shed light on developing partnership and mechanisms in implementing a strategic plan developed to mobilise ideas and resources and encourage the participation of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and young Entrepreneurs in Agriculture.
The Deputy Minister further stressed that the doors are open for building stronger food security foundatikn in Sierra Leone in order to make food available in the country. “The aim of my visit is to maintain a stable and sustainable development of bilateral relations between NCIC and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for the supply of chemicals needed for increased agricultural production and productivity in rice, poultry feed, onion production and other vegetables along the value chains” said Dr. Dick.
The meeting also discussed the production and supply of various types of fertiliser useful for its intended purpose. They also elaborated on the role played by the National Fertiliser agencies and the nexus between Regulatory Agency (NaFRA) and the mainstream ministry in Sierra Leone and how they can feature into this partnerdhip with NCIC for technical backstopping and Agro-chemical Import dealers at commercial level.
Through a short documentary, NCIC displayed who they are and what they do. Mostafa promised the best service at affordable prices to private sectors in Sirrra Leone. He advised that they must do much more to limit the production cost at this stage of implementation for the benefit of smallholder farmers.
Other notable speakers at the meeting were Mr. Edmond Saidu, Deputy Director of Crops Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Samuel A. Kargbo, Counsellor, Sierra Leone Embassy in Cairo, Egypt.
The delegation was taken on a conducted tour of the chemical facilities in the company.