Minister of Agriculture Secures $7 Million Rice Project

In a significant bilateral meeting, Henry Musa Kpaka, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, met with his counterpart, Song Miryung, South Korea’s Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs, at the Conrad Hotel in Seoul. The meeting, held to strengthen agricultural cooperation between the two nations, delved into mutual interests and potential collaboration areas.

Minister Song Miryung’s team had previously conducted feasibility studies for the K-Rice Belt and the KAFACI project in Sierra Leone. Confirming the approval of the KAFACI project, Minister Song disclosed that an official signing ceremony would take place in Nairobi in August. Emphasizing her ministry’s pivotal role in food and rural development in South Korea, Minister Song highlighted the challenges posed by climate change to the nation’s food security.

Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s vulnerability to climate change, Minister Henry Musa Kpaka outlined the country’s challenges, including unpredictable rainfall and pest infestations. To address these issues, Minister Kpaka mentioned the government’s efforts to introduce insurance policies for farmers and stressed the importance of international partnerships.

The ministers agreed on several key areas of cooperation:

1. Capacity Building: South Korea offered training programs and exchange opportunities for Sierra Leonean farmers and agricultural professionals to enhance capacity.
2. Technology Transfer: Discussions revolved around the application of South Korea’s advanced agricultural technologies in Sierra Leone, particularly focusing on improving irrigation and crop management.
3. Agricultural Trade: Both parties explored the potential for increased agricultural trade, with South Korea expressing interest in importing specific agricultural products from Sierra Leone and investing in the country’s agricultural infrastructure.
4. Joint Research Initiatives: Recognizing shared agricultural challenges, particularly related to climate change and pest control, both nations highlighted the significance of joint research initiatives.

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to advancing agricultural development through collaboration, technology transfer, and capacity building. Both ministers expressed optimism for a sustained and productive partnership that would benefit the agricultural sectors of both nations.