A symbolic rice harvesting ceremony at Sierratec Secure Company’s 2,500-hectare farm in Makari Chiefdom, Bombali District, has been hailed as a significant milestone for national agricultural development. The event, attended by high-ranking government officials, underscored the potential for public-private partnerships to advance the country’s Feed Salone Agenda.
Presidential Spokesperson Alhaji Alpha Kanu commended Sierratec’s CEO, Sallieu Kanu, for his contributions, noting that the country’s reliance on rice imports has already decreased over the past two years. Representing President Julius Maada Bio, Ambassador Umaru Bun Wurrie called on other Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora to emulate this patriotism, stating that having just one such investor per district would rapidly achieve national food security.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sahr Hemore reaffirmed the government’s policy of providing financial support to indigenous farms and companies to expand operations and add value to their products. He described Sierratec’s investment as a testament to the nation’s potential for growth.
The company has invested heavily in modern equipment, from ploughing to processing, and currently supplies locally produced rice to the World Food Programme for school feeding projects. Despite challenges such as stray cattle damaging crops, Sierratec is poised to double its production to 5,000 hectares in the next planting season. This expansion is expected to create more job opportunities for local youth, adding to the nearly 100 workers already employed.
As part of its corporate social responsibility, the company has provided support to subsistence farmers and invested in rural electrification for its operational communities. The ceremony stands as a testament to the critical role agriculture is set to play in driving Sierra Leone’s economic growth and achieving food self-sufficiency.
