By Saidu Jalloh, Daily Scope Reporter
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has successfully secured over 10,000 bags of locally produced rice for the Strategic Grain Reserve located in Kobia, Kambia District.
During a site visit on Friday, Agriculture Minister Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka emphasized that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to establish a reliable buffer stock aimed at safeguarding the country against food shortages, price volatility, and emergencies.
Dr. Kpaka noted that sourcing rice directly from local farmers and processors not only helps mitigate cross-border smuggling but also fosters structured markets for agricultural producers. This grain reserve project is being developed under the World Bank-funded Food System Resilience Program (FSRP) and is a crucial component of the government’s Feed Salone initiative.
Looking to the future, the Ministry plans to establish a state-of-the-art 4,000 metric ton integrated silo system in Gbondapi, Pujehun District. This facility will serve as both a rice processing hub and a storage center. A proposed Food Reserve Authority will be responsible for overseeing the system and ensuring its sustainable operation.
This initiative aims to enhance Sierra Leone’s contributions to the ECOWAS Regional Food Reserve System, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to food security and agricultural resilience.
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