In a major step toward achieving food self-sufficiency, Pee Cee Agriculture Limited is transforming Sierra Leone’s agricultural landscape through an ambitious large-scale onion farming project in Lungi.
Backed by a US$12 million investment from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the company is cultivating onions of 70 hectares twice a year, covering a total of 140 hectares annually. The project is expected to produce between 6,300 and 8,400 metric tons of onions each year, accounting for approximately 25 percent of Sierra Leone’s onion imports and significantly reducing the country’s dependence on foreign produce.
The Ministry of Agriculture has welcomed the initiative, highlighting the role of increased local production in strengthening national food security. With projected yields of 45 to 60 metric tons per hectare, the project demonstrates the potential for large-scale commercial farming to contribute meaningfully to domestic food supply.
Pee Cee Agriculture is implementing modern farming techniques in collaboration with experts from Njala University and the IFC, setting new benchmarks for productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in the sector.
Beyond onion production, the company plans to expand into maize cultivation for poultry feed, with an additional 150 hectares earmarked for production. This move is expected to support the growing poultry industry and reduce reliance on imported feed.
The company is also preparing to pilot a 50-hectare cassava project in Lungi, with long-term plans to scale up to over 5,000 hectares within the cassava belt. The expansion will supply raw materials for a proposed Cassava flour factory, helping to cut flour imports and conserve foreign exchange.
“By diversifying our crops and prioritizing local production, we aim to strengthen the economy and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers,” said Mahesh Nandwani, CEO of Pee Cee and Sons. “Our mission aligns with the government’s goal of achieving food sovereignty and long-term sustainability.”
The project’s impact extends beyond agricultural output. Pee Cee Agriculture is creating employment opportunities, improving incomes for over 900 smallholder farmers, and supporting community development initiatives, including the renovation of a maternal health clinic in the project area.
A key feature of the company’s operations is the establishment of an on-site processing facility designed to reduce post-harvest losses one of the biggest challenges facing agriculture in Sierra Leone. Improved storage and processing systems will help maintain product quality, minimize waste, and expand market access, while also creating additional jobs along the value chain.
As Sierra Leone continues to face food shortages, rising import costs, and economic pressures, Pee Cee Agriculture’s investment offers a practical and sustainable solution. Locally produced onions are fresher, more affordable, and contribute directly to the national economy.
The initiative forms part of a vertically integrated agribusiness model under Pee Cee Holding Ltd, encompassing farming, storage, processing, and distribution across Sierra Leone and neighboring countries, including Liberia and Guinea.
With a strong focus on sustainable farming practices, innovation, and partnerships with government institutions, universities, and international organizations, Pee Cee Agriculture Limited is positioning itself at the forefront of an agricultural transformation in Sierra Leone.
As the company advances its vision, it underscores that lasting progress depends on collaboration, innovation, and a firm commitment to community development offering renewed hope for food security and economic resilience in Sierra Leone.