President Bio Trips Torma Bum Rice Farm Project
President Julius Maada Bio last Friday toured the Torma Bum Rice Farm in Bonthe District, where he called on the private sector and investors to partner with Government in advancing the Feed Salone Initiative and transforming Sierra Leone into a food-secure nation.
During the visit, President Bio inspected ongoing rice cultivation by Fambul Rice and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), each currently cultivating 1.5 hectares, as well as the construction of irrigation canals and supporting infrastructure being undertaken by PaviFort Construction Company.
Addressing stakeholders, the President reaffirmed his Government’s determination to ensure Sierra Leone produces enough food to meet domestic demand.
“We should be able to cultivate what we eat. I invite the private sector to invest in agriculture. I am pleased to see Fambul Rice already producing for the market, and I am impressed by the work the company has done here,” he said.
He noted that Sierra Leone possesses the land, water resources and favourable climatic conditions required to become a leading agricultural producer, urging both local entrepreneurs and foreign investors to seize the opportunities available in the sector.
President Bio also commended the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces for supporting the Feed Salone Initiative through rice cultivation and encouraged the Sierra Leone Police to undertake similar agricultural initiatives.
The President disclosed that Government plans to construct the Koribondo–Torma Bum road to improve access to the area, reduce investment risks and facilitate the movement of agricultural produce. He also encouraged Fambul Rice to provide technical support to aspiring rice farmers to help expand commercial rice production.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, briefed the President on the various investments and ongoing developments at the Torma Bum Rice Farm. He thanked President Bio for his continued leadership and commitment to transforming agriculture into a key driver of economic growth and food security.
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 visits to the community, describing them as a clear demonstration of Government’s commitment to achieving the objectives of the Feed Salone Initiative.
The visit concluded with renewed optimism among Government officials, traditional authorities and private sector partners, who reaffirmed their commitment to expanding agricultural investment and strengthening collaboration to realise President Bio’s vision of achieving food self-sufficiency, creating jobs and driving sustainable economic transformation through the Feed Salone Initiative.