President Julius Maada Bio welcomed a technical team from the K-Rice Belt Initiative of South Korea, who provided an update on their visit and outlined plans to enhance rice production, improve food security, and decrease dependence on rice imports.
Jae-Hyeon Ryu, leading the team of agricultural experts, informed the President about their pre-feasibility study and the assessment of potential sites in the country. They identified Bo-Manehun in the Bonthe District as a suitable location due to its characteristics, including land fertility, expansiveness, transportation accessibility, and water supply feasibility.
The team shared that they would return to South Korea to present their findings to the government. Following this, necessary infrastructure improvements in the chosen area would be initiated to support the project. The team expressed their intention to return for the implementation process, beginning with a full-scale study, with effective implementation expected to commence later in the year.
President Julius Maada Bio expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration and mentioned the previous week’s visit by the outgoing Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Sierra Leone, His Excellency KIM Young Chae, who had informed him about the team’s arrival. The President emphasized the importance of the relationship between Sierra Leone and Korea, particularly in the realm of food production.
President Bio hoped for the sharing of experiences and expertise by the Korean team, emphasizing the importance of capacity-building for locals through active involvement in every aspect of the project. He expressed his commitment to the initiative, assuring the team of the government’s full support, including the improvement of roads leading to the identified sites.
The K-Rice Belt Initiative, launched by South Korea as part of its international aid and cooperation programs, aims to enhance rice production capabilities in collaboration with several African countries. The initiative builds on South Korea’s success in rice cultivation and agricultural technology.
Today’s visit follows discussions, including those between President Bio and the Korean President, His Excellency Yoon Suk Yeol, during the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September of the previous year. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Henry Musa Kpaka, traveled to Korea immediately after the meeting to engage with the Deputy Prime Minister, Choi Sang-mok, and the leadership of the K-Rice Belt Initiative.
Sierra Leone’s formal application to join the initiative was approved by the Korean Government, and the partnership was later formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed on 16 October 2023, coinciding with the launch of FEED SALONE by the President.
As per the MoU, K-Rice Belt Objectives aim to increase rice production by introducing high-yielding seed varieties, transfer technology and knowledge through advanced South Korean agricultural practices, provide machinery and extension services, and support sustainable agricultural practices for long-term viability and resilience in rice cultivation.
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