By Ishmail Momodu Samura

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in collaboration with FRSP and FAO, initiated a six-day training program on Monday, August 26th, 2024. The program targets 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, focusing on empowering women and youth as key drivers of agricultural progress.

Christian Scott, the Ministry’s Communication Specialist, emphasized the significance of the program. "This training is a 'Training of Trainers' initiative for extension workers on the Technical Packaging for Rice Production (Tp-R). It's a pilot phase covering six districts—Tonkolili, Kambia, Kenema, Kailahun, Moyamba, and Bo—selected for their favorable topography, which supports year-round rice cultivation using this advanced technology," he explained.

Scott also highlighted that the Tp-R technology, provided by JICA, aims to boost productivity. "We are encouraging our farmers to adopt this scientific approach, even as we respect their traditional practices," he added.

Ibrahim Umro Sesay, an Extension Officer from Kailahun District, expressed his gratitude to President Julius Maada Bio for the Feed Salone initiative, acknowledging the ministry's efforts and the support of its partners. "As youths and women, we are the primary beneficiaries of these initiatives, including this crucial training. With 95% of the trainees being youths and women, this is an opportunity for us to embrace farming and make Feed Salone a reality," Sesay urged his fellow participants.