IITA Handovers 6 Tons of Soybean and 4 Tons of Maize Foundation Seeds to SLARI for Multiplication and Distribution

In a significant step towards enhancing agricultural productivity in Sierra Leone, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has handed over six tons of Soybeans and four tons of Maize foundation seeds to the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI). The event, held at the IITA office in Sierra Leone, marks a pivotal moment in the country's efforts to improve seed systems and empower farmers.

The handover ceremony was attended by key stakeholders in the agricultural sector, including the Chief Agriculture Officer from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), Professor Abdulai Jalloh; the IITA Country Representative in Sierra Leone and Council Chairman for SLARI, Dr. Alfred O. Dixon; Madam Yatta Samah, President of the National Federation of Farmers Sierra Leone (NAFFSL); Dr. Robert Chakanda, Executive Director of Sierra Leone Seed Certification Agency (SLeSCA); and Dr. Abdul R. Conteh, the Acting Director General of SLARI.

In his statement, Professor Abdulai Jalloh emphasized the importance of SLARI's role in the multiplication and distribution of these foundation seeds. "We believe that SLARI will receive these foundation seeds from IITA to multiply them and make them available to out-growers, who will then make them accessible to our farmers across the country," he said. He highlighted the significance of this initiative in ensuring that farmers have access to quality seeds, which is crucial for increasing crop yields and enhancing food security.

Dr. Alfred O. Dixon, IITA Country Representative and Council Chairman for SLARI underlined the critical role of a robust seed system in the success of agricultural development. "The seed system is crucial to the success of any agricultural development," Dr. Dixon stated. He further explained that SLARI is now in a position to supply certified seeds to seed companies in Sierra Leone for the next cropping season in 2025. Dr. Dixon also shared the logistical challenges faced during the transport of the seeds, noting that the seeds travelled by road from Nigeria to Freetown, with the driver enduring days of travel before arriving at the destination.

The ceremony also featured remarks from other notable figures in attendance. Madam Yatta Samah, President of NAFFSL, and Dr. Chankanda, Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Seeds Agency, both expressed their support for the initiative and their optimism about the positive impact it will have on the agricultural sector.

Dr. Abdul R. Conteh, the Acting Director General of SLARI, expressed gratitude for the support from IITA, emphasizing its alignment with the Feed Salone initiative. "This support from IITA will help in the implementation of the Feed Salone initiative. When farmers have access to quality seeds, it will help increase their yields, which will, in turn, give them more income," Dr. Conteh said. He assured attendees that SLARI's team is well-prepared to multiply the seeds received from IITA, ensuring that local farmers have access to high-yielding seeds.

The handover of these foundation seeds is a crucial step towards empowering farmers with the tools they need to increase their productivity and, ultimately, improve food security in Sierra Leone. As SLARI begins the process of seed multiplication and distribution, the collaboration between IITA, SLARI, and other agricultural stakeholders demonstrates a united effort towards achieving sustainable agricultural development in the country.