By Richmond B Tholley

The District Agriculture Officer of Tonkolili has on Friday September 6th 2024 on behalf of the Agriculture Ministry led a delegation of Agriculture Officers in Yoni Mamaila Chiefdom to inspect the one hundred Hecters of rice farm owned and cultivated by Paramount Chief Bai Sebora N'theleh III.

In his own effort to complement the Government of Sierra Leone "Feed Salone" project, promote food security and sufficiency,  PC Sebora N'theleh III is currently engaging in massive rice farming.

It's on that backdrop that Madam Jane Fea Kabba Sei, the District Agriculture Officer said she and her team visited the farm site to ensure the Agriculture Ministry and Government of Sierra Leone support the Paramount Chief's laudable venture. As the line Ministry responsible for Agriculture, Madam Sei said the entire Agriculture Ministry and the Government of Sierra Leone are impressed by the Chief N'theleh's Agricultural moves in Yoni Mamaila Chiefdom.

"With such a huge Agricultural development, the Agriculture Ministry by extension the Government are pleased that the Feed Salone project is succeeding and gaining momentum," the District Agriculture Officer said.

While at the farm, the team walked around the entire farm to inspect and ascertain whether the rice isn't affected by pests. Madam Sei said she's visiting bigger farms and private farmers in her operational area of Tonkolili District to ensure. At the end of her tour, she said she recommend to Government through the Agriculture Ministry for support to farmers who needed support the most. By this, she said is a way the Government is also supporting local and subsistence farmers.

For PC Sebora N'theleh's hundred Hecters rice farm, Madam Sei said she's not only impressed, but will also recommend that the Government support the Paramount Chief because he's doing a great job. Having walked around the farm, she said the Paramount Chief needs fertilizer, combine harvesters, storage facilities and among other Agricultural equipments.

Lastly, she thanked the Paramount Chief and his team what she said is a marvelous work done.

Expressing happiness, Paramount Chief Bai Sebora N'theleh III said the fact that the Government is recognizing his effort, he's ready to do more the coming farming season. The hundred Hecters rice farm, he is a complement to President Julius Maada Bio's Big Five agenda.

He urges other traditional and local authorities to also engage in Agriculture for sustainable development in the country.