By Marion Rion Bangura
President Julius Maada Bio has inspected ongoing agricultural activities at the Torma Bum Rice Farm in Bonthe District, reaffirming his Government’s drive to expand domestic food production and attract greater private-sector investment into Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector.
During the visit, President Bio assessed rice cultivation activities being undertaken by Fambul Rice and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), with each currently cultivating 1.5 hectares of rice.
The President also inspected ongoing infrastructure works at the farm, including the construction of irrigation canals and other supporting facilities being undertaken by PaviFort Construction Company, which he commended for what he described as an excellent job in developing the irrigation infrastructure.
President Bio said the progress at Torma Bum demonstrates the potential available in Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector and urged private investors, local entrepreneurs and development partners to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the Feed Salone Initiative.
He maintained that Sierra Leone has the necessary land, water resources and favourable climatic conditions to significantly increase agricultural production and reduce the country’s dependence on imported food.
“We should be able to cultivate what we eat. I invite the private sector to invest in agriculture,” President Bio said.
He expressed satisfaction with the work being undertaken by Fambul Rice, particularly its efforts to produce rice for the local market, and encouraged the company to continue supporting the expansion of commercial agriculture.
The President also called on agricultural businesses to provide technical assistance and knowledge-sharing opportunities to aspiring farmers, particularly those seeking to venture into commercial rice production.
He said such collaboration would help transfer expertise, increase productivity and encourage more young people and entrepreneurs to see agriculture as a viable business opportunity.
President Bio further praised the RSLAF for contributing to the Feed Salone Initiative through its participation in rice cultivation at Torma Bum.
He encouraged the Sierra Leone Police to consider undertaking similar agricultural initiatives as part of broader national efforts to strengthen food production and contribute to food security.
A major issue highlighted during the visit was the need for improved road connectivity to unlock the full potential of the agricultural area.
President Bio disclosed that Government plans to construct the Koribondo-Torma Bum road, which he said would improve access to the farming community, facilitate the transportation of agricultural produce and reduce some of the risks associated with investing in the area.
The proposed road infrastructure is expected to improve the connection between farmers, markets and agricultural service providers while creating a more conducive environment for further private-sector investment.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kaka, also briefed President Bio on investments and ongoing developments at the Torma Bum Rice Farm.
He expressed appreciation to the President for his continued support for the agricultural sector and his determination to make agriculture a central pillar of Sierra Leone’s economic transformation and food-security agenda.
Traditional authorities in the area also welcomed the Government’s renewed attention to the farm.
Paramount Chief of Bum Chiefdom, PC Alex Maada Kainpumu, expressed appreciation to President Bio for reviving the Torma Bum Rice Farm after more than four decades of neglect.
He also commended the Minister of Agriculture for his frequent engagement with the community, describing the visits as evidence of Government’s commitment to delivering on the objectives of the Feed Salone Initiative.
The President’s visit brought together Government officials, traditional leaders, agricultural producers, private-sector actors and other stakeholders, with renewed emphasis placed on expanding agricultural production and strengthening partnerships.
The developments at Torma Bum form part of broader efforts to transform Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector from predominantly subsistence farming into a more productive and commercially viable industry.
For President Bio, increased agricultural investment is expected not only to improve food availability but also to create employment, expand opportunities for local businesses and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
The Government is therefore seeking to use the Feed Salone Initiative to encourage increased domestic production while creating stronger links between farmers, investors, infrastructure providers and markets. The Torma Bum visit ended with renewed commitment among stakeholders to expand rice production, improve agricultural infrastructure and attract further investment, as the Government continues to pursue its ambition of achieving greater food self-sufficiency and using agriculture as a major driver of Sierra Leone’s economic transformation
