By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Pee Cee Agriculture Limited, a subsidiary of Pee Cee & Sons, is making remarkable strides in promoting food security and economic growth in Sierra Leone. Renowned for its commitment to providing quality and affordable brands nationwide, the company is at the forefront of revolutionizing local agricultural production.
For over 50 years, Pee Cee & Sons (PCS) has been a leading distribution and marketing entity in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea, representing globally recognized brands in frozen, chilled and dry food products. However, with its recent focus on local agricultural production through Pee Cee Agriculture Limited, the company is setting a new benchmark in the country’s drive for self-sufficiency.
One of Pee Cee Agriculture’s most notable achievements is the successful cultivation of onions in Sierra Leone. The company offers its locally grown onions at NLe 280 per bag, compared to imported onions that retail at NLe 450. This significant price difference underscores the benefits of supporting locally produced food, reducing dependency on imports and strengthening Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector.
Sierra Leoneans are encouraged to embrace this initiative as a patriotic duty, ensuring the nation moves towards greater food independence. The widespread perception that imported goods are superior must be challenged, a sentiment echoed by the Government in recent statements.
Minister of Agriculture, Henry Musa Kpaka, recently highlighted Pee Cee Agriculture’s impact in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He recalled a time when onions were scarce and unaffordable in Sierra Leone, emphasizing how local production has dramatically improved access and affordability.
“Almost two years ago, there was a shortage of onions in Sierra Leone. If you could find one, it could cost you an arm and a leg,” the Minister stated. He credited President Julius Maada Bio for his direct involvement in supporting smallholder farmers and working with private sector players like Pee Cee Agriculture to enhance local production.
The Minister further noted that locally produced onions now sell for nearly half the price of imported ones, demonstrating that deliberate efforts in agricultural investment can yield tangible results.
President Bio has also praised Pee Cee Agriculture’s contributions, particularly its 400-hectare onion farm in Lokomasama Chiefdom, Port Loko District. During a visit to the farm, the President actively participated in the harvesting process, emphasizing the need to reduce Sierra Leone’s annual onion importation, which costs the country millions of dollars.
“Pee Cee & Sons has been one of the largest and most committed partners in the private sector, always aligning with Government policies. Their investment alone has saved Sierra Leone up to $30 million that would have otherwise been spent on imports,” President Bio remarked.
He urged other companies to follow Pee Cee Agriculture’s example, stressing the economic and employment benefits of local production. Additionally, he called on Paramount Chiefs and landowners across the country to facilitate agricultural investments that will enhance food security and create job opportunities.
The success of Pee Cee Agriculture aligns with broader national efforts to strengthen Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector. Some key benefits of increasing local production include:
1. Food Security & Reduced Reliance on Imports
• The “Feed Salone” initiative is enhancing local production of staple crops like rice, reducing dependency on foreign imports.
• Increased investment in livestock farming ensures a steady supply of meat for the domestic market.
2. Job Creation & Economic Growth
• Expanding local manufacturing and agricultural production generates employment and skill development opportunities.
• Smallholder farmers benefit from partnerships with companies like Pee Cee Agriculture, receiving inputs, mechanized plowing and training.
3. Increased Export Potential
• Sierra Leone can expand its export portfolio by focusing on high-value crops like cocoa, coffee and oil palm.
• Processing and value addition to local products will boost export revenues.
4. Other Economic & Social Benefits
• Increased agricultural productivity translates to higher incomes for farmers and rural communities.
• Sustainable agricultural practices promote environmental conservation and long-term economic growth.
• The “Made in Salone” initiative supports local businesses, encouraging citizens to buy locally produced goods.
Beyond onions, Pee Cee Agriculture has diversified in the production of other agricultural products, including edible oil and soap production. The company has also been instrumental in supporting 900 smallholder farmers with resources and technical expertise.
Pee Cee & Sons’ parent company, Pee Cee Holding Ltd (PCH), continues to invest in expanding the agricultural sector, with subsidiaries like Jolaks Manufacturing Limited, Pee Cee Industries, and Milla Group playing vital roles in strengthening local production.
Pee Cee Agriculture Limited has positioned itself as a key player in Sierra Leone’s agricultural transformation. Through its investments in onion farming and broader agricultural initiatives, the company is helping to reduce import dependency, create jobs and enhance food security.
With the support of the Government, private sector players and citizens, Sierra Leone is on a path toward self-sufficiency in food production. The call to action is clear: Sierra Leoneans must support local production, not just for economic reasons but as a matter of national pride and long-term sustainability.
