By: Ishmail Momodu Samura
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in collaboration with its partners FRSP and FAO, commenced a six-day training program on Monday, August 26th, 2024, aimed at empowering extension workers across six districts with high potential for Inland Valley Swamp (IVS) cultivation. The training, held at the Sierra Leone Teachers Union Hall in Makeni, aligns with the ministry's sixth pillar of the Feed Salone agenda: Empowering Women and Youths as a key driver for achieving national food security.
Christian Scott, the Ministry's Communication Specialist, emphasized that this initiative serves as a "Training of Trainers" program for extension workers, focusing on the Technical Packaging of Rice production (Tp-R) in a pilot phase across six selected districts. "The districts—Tonkolili, Kambia, Kenema, Kailahun, Moyamba, and Bo—were chosen based on their topography, which is ideal for rice cultivation year-round using this innovative technology," Scott explained. He further noted, "The Tp-R technology, provided by JICA, is designed to enhance productivity. While we respect the traditional farming practices of our farmers, we are introducing them to a scientific approach that promises higher yields."
Ibrahim Umro Sesay, Extension Officer for the Ministry of Agriculture in Kailahun District, expressed deep gratitude to His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio for the Feed Salone initiative. He acknowledged the significant role that women and youth are playing in this program, highlighting that 95% of the trainees are from these groups. "This training presents a golden opportunity for young people to embrace farming and contribute to making Feed Salone a reality," Sesay urged his fellow participants.
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