By Sallieu Kanu
Sierra Leone — September 11, 2025: The Sierra Leone Seed Certification Agency (SLeSCA) has announced plans to release 33 new seed varieties for rice, cassava, and maize, aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity under the government’s flagship Feed Salone initiative. The announcement was made by Executive Director Dr. Robert Chakanda during a presentation of research findings at the SLeSCA conference hall in Freetown.
The seed varieties—developed through over a decade of scientific research—were recommended for release by the Variety Release and Registration Committee. Of the 33 candidates, 14 were developed by Sierra Leonean breeders, while 19 originated from other West African countries.
The research was conducted by Sierra Leonean scientists and breeders at the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI), in collaboration with SLeSCA. Dr. Chakanda emphasized that the agency has worked closely with SLARI and breeders nationwide to identify high-yield seed varieties capable of transforming the country’s agricultural landscape.
“These seeds are the result of rigorous scientific evaluation and expert review. Their release will empower farmers and strengthen our national food security,” Dr. Chakanda stated.
Following the research, SLeSCA organized an expert evaluation session to assess the breeding methods, crop adaptability, yield potential, and trade viability of each candidate.
Dr. Nabieu Kamara, team lead for rice breeders, highlighted the work of the Rokupr Rice Research Centre, which has tested 16 rice varieties nationwide over the past four years. Farmers participated in field days to evaluate and select the best-performing varieties.
For cassava, Raymond Massaquoi, Research Officer at SLARI, reported that nine varieties were developed using both mutational and conventional breeding methods. These varieties underwent trials to assess their adaptability across Sierra Leone’s agroecological zones and received positive feedback from farmers.
Dr. Janatu Veronica Sesay, SLeSCA’s technical head, noted that experts from various agricultural disciplines were invited to review the breeders’ presentations. The evaluation focused on breeding techniques, crop-specific selection criteria, yield capacity, and market readiness.
If approved by the seed release committee, the distribution will include:
- Rice: 13 varieties from West Africa and 3 from Sierra Leone
- Cassava: 6 varieties from West Africa and 3 from Sierra Leone
- Maize: 8 new varieties developed by Sierra Leonean scientists
These seeds are expected to be made available to farmers across Sierra Leone and the wider West African region, marking a significant milestone in the country’s agricultural development.
Massaquoi described the potential release as a “dream come true” for breeders and a major boost for the Feed Salone programme, which aims to achieve national food self-sufficiency.