Freetown, Monday 9 October 2023 – Sierra Leone’s President Dr Julius Maada Bio has officially inaugurated the Presidential Council for Delivering the Feed Salone Initiative, setting forth a bold challenge for the newly established governing body to usher in a revolutionary era in agriculture for all Sierra Leoneans.
The establishment of this council aligns with President Bio’s unwavering commitment to prioritize agriculture and food security during his second term in office.
The Feed Salone initiative stands as the flagship program, meticulously crafted to realize the President’s vision of overhauling the agriculture sector. Its ultimate goal is to ensure food sovereignty, generate employment opportunities, combat hunger, and stimulate economic growth throughout Sierra Leone.
Addressing council members during the ceremony, President Julius Maada Bio underscored their presence as a testament to their expertise in their respective fields, emphasizing the critical role they play in securing food for the nation.
“We have witnessed numerous attempts to address our food security challenges, and it is now up to a new generation to make it work. This is the challenge we collectively face,” President Bio declared.
He continued, “We have abundant land and even rainfall in October. We cannot attribute our food crisis to nature. Instead, we must blame ourselves for any shortcomings caused by our own negligence.”
President Bio also emphasized that the council’s overarching objective is to ensure food security for Sierra Leone. While acknowledging the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security’s presence, he stressed that the council, in partnership with the Presidential Initiative led by Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkela, would collaborate with researchers, bankers, farmers, nutritionists, civil society, the private sector, and politicians to achieve the Feed Salone Initiative.
“With your involvement in the council, we can lead a transformative movement that will speak for itself. The scope of activities is extensive, involving various ministries, groups, and experts. All these experts are here to identify and implement the most effective solutions, even if it means residing on the farm until success is achieved,” President Bio urged.
“No country has achieved industrialization without an agricultural revolution. Agriculture is the foundation of industrialization. This isn’t just about food security; it’s about economic growth,” he added, exuding confidence in the council’s potential to drive the Feed Salone Initiative.
President Bio also emphasized the importance of adopting scientific and technological approaches, discouraging traditional farming practices in favor of modern methods.
In closing, he rallied the council, saying, “Feed Salone is not just about President Bio; it’s about our nation. Let’s work together to make it succeed.”
The launch event witnessed meaningful contributions from Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Agriculture and Climate Change, Minister of Agriculture Dr. Alfred G.O. Dixon, Dr. Roland Suluku, private sector representatives, and government officials.
Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, highlighted the Presidential Council’s pivotal role in addressing cross-cutting issues, providing high-level political leadership, and supporting technical implementation for the Feed Salone Initiative.
This launch marks a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s journey towards achieving food security, economic growth, and agricultural transformation.