By Sulaiman Jalloh

In a recent development, the government of Sierra Leone has announced the reduction of price of parboil rice in the country. The move, according to a press release form the Office of the Chief Minister, is to mitigate the hiking cost of food commodities.

The Government said the decision was reached after consultations with key stakeholders to stabilize the market and ensure that rice, the major staple food in Sierra Leone, becomes more affordable.

The new pricing formula is set to bring some relief to households. “The wholesale price of a 50kg bag of parboiled rice will be reduced to NLe 840, effective January 7, 2025. And that effective February 14, 2025, the wholesale price for parboil rice will be reduced to NLe 799 per 50kg bag,” the release stated.

The press release noted that government is working closely with rice retailers to ensure that the new price formula is reflected in the market, making rice more accessible and affordable for consumers in the country while assuring citizens that government will develop macro and micro economic policies to promote food productivity, equity and growth.

The announcement underscores President Bio’s commitment to reducing food insufficiency by making essential food items more affordable, taking concrete steps to improving the quality of life for all Sierra Leoneans.