On Wednesday, July 24, 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security’s #Regional Rice Value Chain Project held a crucial engagement meeting with agribusiness companies operating in Tormabum. The meeting, hosted at the project’s conference room in Bo City, aimed to foster better synergies and develop coordinated strategies to achieve the project’s objectives and ensure sustainability.

The Regional Rice Value Chain Project focuses on creating commercial opportunities for targeted rice farmers, enhancing market access, and fostering long-term relationships with processors investing in the value chain.

Welcoming the agribusiness companies, Project Coordinator Abdulia Bun Wai emphasized the need for strong commitment and innovative business initiatives from the companies. He highlighted the project’s goal to work with 7,000 farmers, underscoring the need for more companies to manage the complexities of farming operations effectively. Currently, only three companies are involved, presenting challenges in managing expansive agricultural activities.

Mr. Bun Wai also reported that the project has completed the construction of warehouses and is in the process of installing milling machines and irrigation infrastructure. He stressed the importance of developing a strategic plan for managing these facilities to ensure long-term sustainability. He acknowledged the challenges companies face in plowing the 1,000 hectares of farmland, underscoring the need for collective effort and planning.

Addressing the potential for #Islamic microfinance loans, Mr. Bun Wai noted that companies can collaborate with farmers to access these funds through Apex Bank, which could significantly bolster their operations.

The Agribusiness Specialist of the Regional Rice Value Chain Project, Fatmata Binta Jalloh, acknowledged the companies’ efforts in meeting targets but noted the necessity of addressing flaws and improving strategies moving forward. The project’s management unit is committed to achieving its objectives through sustainable practices, requiring close collaboration between agribusinesses and the project team.

Mohamed Tejan Kellah, Chief Executive Officer of Alhajar Company, emphasized that agriculture should be viewed as a business, not a handout or emergency measure. He urged farmers to start approaching farming with a business mindset.

The companies have pledged to collaborate with the project in achieving the specified activities.

The meeting marks a step towards stronger coordination and strategic planning among stakeholders in the Regional Rice Value Chain Project, vital for the project’s success and the sustainable development of the agricultural sector in Sierra Leone.