By Fatima Kpaka
MOYAMBA, October 17, 2026: President Julius Maada Bio has toured major agricultural projects in Moyamba District, highlighting the contributions of private farmers, women-led agribusinesses and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) to the government’s Feed Salone initiative ahead of World Food Day.
The visits focused on commercial maize cultivation, improved rice seed multiplication and large-scale military rice production, which the President said demonstrate Sierra Leone’s growing capacity to boost local food production and strengthen food security.
At Vaama Farm in Bai Largo, President Bio visited Sherilyn’s Enterprise for National Change (SLENC) Limited, a women-led agribusiness that has expanded from a five-acre pilot project to 120 hectares of mechanised hybrid maize cultivation. The company supplies maize for poultry feed and provides employment for more than 200 young people.
The President also toured SMART Farms, where an irrigation-supported seed multiplication programme is producing improved rice varieties developed by the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI). The initiative aims to increase the availability of quality seeds while supporting year-round rice production through irrigation.
In Yoni, Kamajei Chiefdom, President Bio joined a symbolic rice harvesting ceremony on farms cultivated by the RSLAF across 4,227 hectares. Military authorities disclosed that production is expected to yield about 59,900 bags of clean rice.
Under an off-taker agreement with the Ministry of Finance, the rice will meet the Armed Forces’ food requirements for six months, underscoring the role of agricultural production in supporting institutional food needs and national food security.
The military’s agricultural programme spans six locations across Port Loko, Tonkolili and Moyamba districts, covering both rice and cashew cultivation.
President Bio commended farmers, agribusiness operators and the military for supporting the Feed Salone agenda, noting that their efforts demonstrate the potential of agriculture to create jobs, strengthen value chains and reduce dependence on imported food.
He praised the leadership of SLENC Limited, SMART Farms and the Armed Forces for their commitment to increasing food production through innovation, investment and mechanisation.
The President reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting private sector participation in agriculture, particularly initiatives that link commercial farms with out-growers and expand employment opportunities for young people.
“We are here to celebrate our farmers, especially the Military, for protecting and feeding our nation at the same time,” President Bio said.
The visits formed part of activities leading to World Food Day and reinforced the government’s drive to mobilise farmers, entrepreneurs, research institutions and public sector organisations to achieve sustainable food security under the Feed Salone programme.