By: Saidu Jalloh
The Government of Sierra Leone has intensified its push toward food self-sufficiency as the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security Sierra Leone and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) deepen their collaboration to expand rice production in Tormabum.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Amara Idara Bangura, led a joint inspection on Thursday to assess key rice production infrastructure under the government’s Feed Salone initiative.
The visit focused on evaluating progress on irrigation systems, including canals, water control structures, and land development projects designed to support year-round farming. Dr. Kpaka emphasized that the irrigation scheme is central to transforming Tormabum into a major rice production hub.
The engagement also underscored the military’s expanding role in agriculture. The RSLAF is currently cultivating approximately 640 acres of cashew farms, with plans to increase this to 1,000 acres. In addition, military-managed rice farms across the country now cover more than 7,000 acres in Moyamba District, Port Loko District, and Tonkolili District.
Lieutenant General Bangura reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to scaling up agricultural production, noting that Tormabum has suitable land and improving infrastructure to support increased output.
The delegation also toured the nearly completed Tormabum Rice Hub, which will provide milling, storage, and aggregation services. Authorities say the facility is expected to reduce post-harvest losses, improve rice quality, and enhance market access for farmers.
