Government Targets Lower Rice Prices Through ‘Feed Salone’ Initiative

Government Targets Lower Rice Prices Through ‘Feed Salone’ Initiative

Presidential Spokesman Hon. Alpha Kanu has projected a significant reduction in the cost of rice, suggesting that prices could soon drop to between Le2 and Le3 per cup as the government’s "Feed Salone" programme gains momentum.

Speaking on Truth Media, Kanu highlighted the initiative's role in addressing public concern over the rising cost of living. He pointed to early indicators of success in specific regions, noting that in Port Loko, the price of a cup of rice has already decreased from Le10 to Le4.

Kanu described this shift as a positive market response despite the ongoing "lean season," a period spanning June to September typically characterized by higher food prices and reduced availability.

Kanu credited these anticipated improvements to the Feed Salone programme’s multifaceted strategy, which includes:

• Expanded Cultivation: Incentivizing broader agricultural efforts across the country.

• Technological Investment: Deploying machinery to boost production efficiency.

• Post-Harvest Management: Reducing loss through targeted support for local farmers.

While Kanu maintained that the government’s interventions are already yielding results, he addressed the broader national data, noting reports that food insecurity has declined from 28 percent to 13 percent. However, he urged caution regarding these figures, emphasizing the need to verify the source of such data to ensure accuracy in tracking national progress.

The government continues to position the Feed Salone programme as a central pillar of its efforts to improve food security, aiming to strengthen domestic production and reduce reliance on imports.