AYV News, July 30, 2026
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, has conducted a symbolic harvest of improved seed rice at the Njala seed multiplication site in Kori chiefdom, describing the initiative as a major milestone in the government’s drive to boost national food production under the Feed Salone agenda.
The improved rice seeds, developed by the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI) with support from the Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP), are currently being multiplied by Smart Farms. Five of the 14 improved rice varieties officially launched by President Dr. Julius Maada Bio last year are now being prepared for distribution to farmers across the country.
Speaking during the harvest, Dr. Kpaka said the Ministry had made it a priority to ensure that the improved seed varieties move beyond research institutions and into the hands of farmers to increase productivity.
“Today we are harvesting rice in July, demonstrating that with irrigation, rice can be cultivated throughout the year. Through Smart Farms, we have successfully multiplied five of the 14 improved rice varieties released by SLARI last year. These varieties have the potential to produce between six and eight metric tons per hectare and are well suited to Sierra Leone’s climatic conditions,” he said.
He emphasised that the availability of high-quality seeds is critical to transforming agriculture and achieving food security, noting that improved seed distribution remains central to the government’s agricultural development strategy.
Vice-Chancellor of Njala University, Professor BashiruMohamed Koroma, described the seed multiplication site as an important learning and research facility for the university. He revealed that the success of the project has motivated the institution to secure additional land for expanding the multiplication of high-yielding rice varieties.
Professor Koroma commended President Bio for revitalizing Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector through sustained investments in research, innovation, and productivity enhancement.
In a show of support for local farming communities, Smart Farms Chief Executive Officer Mustapha Katia donated 75 bags of 50-kilogram rice to residents of the Njala community through the Minister and the Vice-Chancellor.
Katia said the donation was intended to support families during the off-season while reinforcing the company’s commitment to strengthening agricultural production.
“The people of this community have been very supportive. We are working together to increase agricultural production while providing farmers with training and capacity-building opportunities to improve their yields. We hope this donation will help ease food challenges during the off-season as we contribute to achieving the Feed Salone agenda,” he said.
Community stakeholders in Kori chiefdom welcomed the government’s continued investment in the districtand expressed appreciation for its designation as one of Sierra Leone’s key agricultural production hubs. They said the initiative is playing a significant role in advancing the successful implementation of the Feed Salone programme and improving food security nationwide.
