President Julius Maada Bio has joined the management of Pee Cee Agriculture Limited and farmers to commence the harvesting of their 400-hectares of onion farm, in Lokomasama chiefdom Port Look district with key focus on reducing the huge importation of onions annually.
“Pee Cee & Sons has been one of the largest and most committed partners in the private sector and has always yielded to government’ instructions. I thank the Paramount Chief, local authorities, and the land owners for making their land available to the company to embark on this landmark investment therefore I call on other paramount chiefs to do likewise,” the President said.
President Bio called on all Sierra Leoneans, including farmers, landowners, and the private sector, to collectively work in the agriculture industry, as the country could achieve its exporting drive.
He said the management of Pee Cee & Sons had taken on the challenge of moving from an importer of onions to a large-scale producer, adding that the company had always risen to the challenge to improve the lives of Sierra Leoneans and that is why his government has been supporting Pee Cee and sons with resources.
He pledged his government’s continued support to Pee Cee and Sons, noting that his government is committed to supporting Pee Cee & Sons and other private sector investments.
“I am encouraging Pee Cee & Sons to go into full-scale rice production. I am here to see for myself. I am calling on all the Paramount Chiefs in the country to make land available for production use in line with the feed Salone project,” the President said.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Henry Musa Kpaka, said Pee Cee & Sons were a perfect example of President Bio’s vision for the Feed Salone Initiative, reminding them that the company started with 10 hectares of land, which were further increased to 400 hectares.
He said the company’s progress was an indication of the kind of private sector development the government has been looking for to drive the agricultural sector.
“With Pee Cee & Sons, we are certain of not importing onions because they are presently working with over 1,000 onion farmers to add value,” he said.
Chief Executive Officer of Pee Cee & Sons, Mahesh said without agriculture, no nation could develop, thanking the President for honouring their invitation.
“His Excellency, your presence here today indicates that every word you speak about Feed Salone is coming from your heart. I am assuring you that, with the support we are receiving from your government in particular, we are committed to doing more,” he stated.
Paramount Bai Sama Kamara applauded President Bio for his full support in the Port Loko district, highlighting the new Freetown International Airport, education, and now the huge hectares of onion farm among other developments.