The Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI), through one of its branches, the Rokupr Research Centre in Kambia District, released 30 improved high-yielding varieties with support from the World Bank-funded Food Systems Resilience Programme. The release ceremony was conducted by His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio. These varieties include maize, rice and cassava (8 varieties of maize, 14 varieties of rice and cassava developed by Sierra Leonean researchers).
The rice varieties released are high-yielding varieties capable of producing 7 to 8 tonnes per hectare, which is a significant increase from the national average of 2 to 3 tonnes.
In his opening speech, President Bio described this release as a scientific breakthrough and a demonstration of his government's commitment to empowering farmers and strengthening national food systems. "The release of these new varieties marks a turning point in our Feed Salone vision. Through research and innovation, we are giving farmers access to seeds that will increase yields, build resilience and ensure food security," he said.
He emphasised that agricultural transformation must be based on science and evidence-based practices, stating that "agriculture is a science."
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Henry Musa Kpaka, reaffirmed the government's commitment to providing improved seeds to farmers in Sierra Leone. He emphasised that Pillar 2 of Feed Salone focuses on strengthening the seed and input system, and that the new varieties being brought to market would increase productivity, boost farmers' incomes and reduce food imports.
In honour of the President's leadership on food security, a new variety of cassava has been named 'Maada Cassava'.
President Bio, accompanied by the Minister of Agriculture, the Director General of SLARI and the FSRP Project Manager, visited demonstration plots to observe the performance of the varieties.
The ceremony brought together farmers, researchers, development partners and community leaders, all of whom praised the government's investment in agricultural research and innovation.
