The Honourable Deputy Minister II of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), Mr. Sahr Hemore, concluded a two-day working tour to assess rice cultivation and agro-processing infrastructure under the Sierra Leone Rice Agro-Industrial Cluster (SL RAIC) Project, implemented as part of the Feed Salone initiative.
Accompanied by the SL RAIC project team, Mr. Hemore visited key sites in Torma Bum, Bonthe District, and Gbondapi, Pujehun District. The visit allowed him to engage directly with farmers, community stakeholders, implementing partners, and contractors.
The Deputy Minister began his tour in Torma Bum with an inspection of the RAIC-managed agro-processing cluster currently under construction by KOFA Construction Company. He also toured several rice fields cultivated during the current farming season, where he praised the resilience and dedication of the local farming communities.
During a stakeholder engagement meeting, Mr. Hemore expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work, applauding both the farmers and implementing partners for their efforts in aligning with national agricultural priorities.
“It is encouraging to see the gains we’re making in rice cultivation. The price of rice is gradually stabilizing due to increased local production. With continued collaboration and support, we are getting closer to achieving President Bio’s vision of reducing rice importation and feeding Sierra Leone with our own produce,” the Deputy Minister remarked.
Local authorities and farmers in Torma Bum echoed this sentiment. Master farmer Mr. Kamara noted that since the SL RAIC project began full implementation—especially in rice production the traditional hunger period has been significantly reduced. “SL RAIC’s efforts and output remind us of the Peter Bolt era,” he concluded.
On the second day, the Deputy Minister and the SL RAIC team traveled to Gbondapi, where they monitored progress on the agro-processing factory being constructed by Instant Modern Construction Company (IMCC).
Welcomed by local farmers, community leaders, and project beneficiaries, Mr. Hemore commended the ongoing work and reiterated the Ministry’s support.
“This is a clear demonstration of commitment to national development. I am highly impressed with what I’ve seen. You are helping to drive President Bio’s vision for a food-secure Sierra Leone,” he stated.
The tour also included visits to two expansive rice farms one accessible only by boat where the Deputy Minister observed healthy crop growth and acknowledged the farmers’ commitment to cultivating large tracts of land in support of the Feed Salone agenda.
Speaking on behalf of implementing partners, Mr. Abu Bakarr Bangura from Blue Techs UK Group thanked the Deputy Minister for his visit and reaffirmed their collective commitment to achieving the goals of the *Feed Salone* strategy.
Mr. John Maada Sinah, Project Manager of SL RAIC, emphasized the project’s close collaboration with farmers to ensure success and sustainability.
The two-day visit highlighted the tangible progress being made on the ground, the value of local engagement, and the potential of coordinated efforts to transform Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector.
Deputy Minister Hemore reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting RAIC and its partners in delivering climate-smart, mechanized, and scalable rice production systems.
With the Feed Salone Strategy gaining momentum, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security remains committed to strengthening institutional support and mobilizing donor partnerships to broaden the project’s impact, reach more communities, and significantly reduce the country’s dependence on imported rice.