By: Precious Miracle Kargbo
In a remarkable turnaround from a severe onion shortage nearly two years ago, local onion production in Sierra Leone has significantly increased, thanks to the concerted efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture and local farmers.
Minister of Agriculture Henry Musa Kpaka announced the successful initiative during a press briefing, highlighting the collaboration between smallholder farmers and the private sector aimed at boosting onion production and improving post-harvest management.
The initiative was spearheaded by President Julius Maada Bio, who prioritized agricultural reform as a means to enhance food security and reduce dependency on imports.
Once a costly commodity, onions in Sierra Leone are now available at approximately Nle280 per bag, nearly half the price of imported onions, which sell for around Nle420 per bag. This price reduction not only makes onions more accessible to consumers but also stimulates the local economy by encouraging domestic agriculture.
“We have shown that with deliberate actions and strategic planning, we can achieve impressive results,” Kpaka stated. He emphasized that the government remains committed to further reducing onion imports, with the goal of achieving near-zero importation levels in the near future.
The initiative has not only alleviated the previous scarcity but has also empowered local farmers, providing them with a sustainable source of income. Farmers across various regions are now able to contribute to the nation’s food supply while benefiting from the increased demand for locally produced onions.
As the government continues to support agricultural initiatives, Kpaka expressed optimism about the future of the sector, reiterating the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors. “We will keep pushing forward to ensure that our farmers thrive and that our country is self-sufficient in essential food crops,” he concluded.
This successful intervention marks a significant milestone for Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector and sets the stage for similar initiatives aimed at enhancing food security and economic stability in the region.