President Koroma Launches SCP
His Excellency the President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma has last Saturday launched the Smallholders Commercialization Programme (SCP) in Kenema, east of Sierra Leone, a nationwide initiative aimed at increasing the productivity of Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector. (Photo: HE President Ernest Bai Koroma)
The US$ 403 million agricultural sector growth project is one of President Koroma’s top priorities on the “Agenda for Change” that is geared towards achieving food security and self-sufficiency in the country.
With a life span of five years running from 2011 to 2014, the SCP will strengthen the economy and get over two and half million people out of poverty.
Speaking at the launching of the programme, President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma described the occasion as a great day for the people of Sierra Leone and farmers in particular.
“We want agriculture to take the lead in development in Sierra Leone thus we must move agriculture forward because most of our people are farmers”, he vowed, and added that “government through the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Food Security has beefed up the tractorisation programme by increasing the number of tractors, power tillers, combine harvester and other farming implements”.
President Koroma said thereafter; “we decided on opening up our roads so that our crops harvested will not perish in the bush”.
He informed all that the SCP involved many sectors and ministries. The President stated that the programme will enable farmers sell their crops and earn cash out of what they grow and export some if necessary.
The SCP, President Koroma stated will provide fertilizer, good roads networks, markets, and training and extension services for farmers.
Government, according to President Koroma has adopted the right policy in consistent with the African Union, Food and Agricultural Organizations, G8 and other partners.
He disclosed that the Islamic Development Bank has allocated funds for the rehabilitation of Matru Jong oil mill.
President Koroma said funds have been also provided by other donors to revive the cocoa and coffee production in Kenema and Kailahun. He said resources will be made available for irrigation and large scale production of rice.
The President also vowed that Sierra Leone must produce rich people out of farming especially in rice production. He said with the SCP farmers will be fully empowered.
President Koroma encouraged farmers to take the lead in agriculture as nobody has to do it for Sierra Leone as a nation except Sierra Leoneans.
The Resident Minister East, William Juana Smith said that the scheme was proposed to support food production by cultivating in-land-valley swamps, create cassava production centers and stimulate agricultural production.
Mr. Smith said the SCP is also aimed at building the capacities of farmers and make farming a lucrative profession.
The chairman of Kenema District Council, Patrick Sam expressed delight at receiving President Koroma.
He said at any time the President Koroma visits Kenema he comes along with a gift for the people of the eastern region which will leave them with happiness.
“We are working day and night to implement your Agenda for Change”, Mr. Sam told President Koroma.
The Paramount Chief of Nogowa chiefdom P.C. Amara Banya Vaganhun thanked God for having President Koroma as Head of State of Sierra Leone.
P.C. Vaganhun praised President Koroma for showing keen interest for his people, the country, and for his bold steps in reforming the agricultural sector.
P.C. Vaganhun implored land owners to help the scheme with land. He cautioned detractors not to sabotage the All Peoples Congress led government, for development is for everybody in Sierra Leone.
For his part, the Minister of Agriculture Forestry and Food Security, Dr. Joseph Sam Sesay recalled that the process started in 2008 when President Koroma put together the initiative.
Food and Agricultural Organizations Country Representative, Kelvin Galaga said he is looking forward to work with other ministries for the achievement of the SCP.
He noted that government has opened many opportunities for farmers which he encouraged them to explore and improve agricultural growth in Sierra Leone.
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