The Minister was placed on a hammock followed by a jubilant crowd through the main streets of the town unto the Rice Research Station where he addressed them. Prof. Jones spent thirteen years working at the Station before proceeding to work overseas. As one of one hundred most influential people in the world, the Agriculture Minister recognise himself as part of the people in Rokupr. The people are in turn confident that the Minister’s leadership will bring back what they have missed during his days at the Research Station.
Though he has been honoured with Chieftaincy titles in several parts of the world and with several awards and laurels, he is appreciative of the fact that for the first time he is being caried with an hammock.
Addressing the people, Prof. Monty Jones said he is impressed with the developments that has taken place in Rokupr Town and Research Station, adding that he is willing enough to solve the problems highlighted by the previous speakers. He informed his audience that President Koroma has the people at heart, which is why he always want to make a difference. “He is willing to boost agriculture production and increase productivity so our farmers have the capacity to be like others in developed nations,” he said, and added that in the not too distant future, transformation will take place in the agriculture sector. “I will ensure that the Research Station gets its lost glory,” the Minister assured.
The Agriculture also had the opportunity to address his colleagues Scientists and staff at the Research Station on Friday. He informed them that research is an important sector in the development of the country because it brings about good technology that enhances economic growth. Sierra Leone, he said has everything it takes to serve as breadbasket of the Africa. “The country is suited for exporting rice to other countries,” he said, and added that research plays a key role in all this.
Prof. Jones revealed that one of the mandates given to him by His Excellency the President is to increase production and productivity, which is a key message he is taking to farmers and other relevant stakeholders across the country.
“If we continue with subsistence farming, this country will never achieve food security,” he said. He encouraged farmers to transform their potentials to providing enough food for the nation. Food, he said should be available, affordable, accessible and sustainable. He reiterated the fact the Commercial Agriculture must be part of them because it pays a lot. “We should add value to our produce and market them well,” the Minister advised farmers, and pledged his Ministry’s support to transform farming activities in the country.
