By Domingo Dargbeh
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, has officially launched “Feed the Nation Agriculture Initiative.”
The event is one of significant strides to enhance food security, and agricultural productivity.
It was held in Monrovia and celebrated under the theme: “Operation Feed the Nation.”
It was organized by the WFI Multipurpose Agriculture Cooperative Incorporated and the Rescue Farmers Group.
In his address, Deputy Presidential Affairs Minister for Press and Public Affairs, Anthony, V. Kesseley, expressed unwavering support for the initiative.
Kesseley, who proxied for President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, highlighted the crucial role of agriculture in the nation’s development agenda.
He spoke on the palpable passion among those at the occasion.
Kesseley added: “We are here to honor the hard work and dedication of our farmers as we embark on this great initiative. The initiative aims to restore Liberia’s agricultural pride.” It comes at a time when many farmers face significant challenges, including limited access to modern agricultural tools, quality seeds, and reliable infrastructure.
Kesseley stressed the importance of cooperative farming.
He stated: “The role of cooperatives is essential in boosting production, processing, and marketing. We must produce what we eat, and this initiative is a step towards achieving that goal.”
He also called on community leaders and agricultural stakeholders to collaborate, and maximize their resources to enhance productivity, particularly cassava, rice, and vegetables.
He underscored the need to use modernize farming techniques and infrastructure to support the agricultural sector.
WFI-MAC CEO, Lincoln Z. Cooper, also highlighted the importance of partnerships in overcoming the challenges faced by farmers.
Cooper noted: “This is not a complaint; it is a call for partnership. When farmers are organized and supported, agriculture becomes a viable business, and food security is achievable.”
Cooper further said, with targeted investment in agricultural logistics and cooperative-based systems, Liberia could significantly reduce food imports and strengthen rural economies.
“Every bag of rice produced locally saves scarce foreign exchange. Every farmer empowered reduces poverty.”
Cooper then reinforced call for the need to collectively act in the agricultural sector.
The event culminated in a unified pledge from participants to work collaboratively to achieve the goals of the initiative, which aimed to transform local agriculture into a robust, self-sustaining sector capable of feeding the nation.
Cooper said, his speech was a call to action, urging all stakeholders to embrace their roles in the noble national mission. After this event, we must be able to feed ourselves, and only if we truly stand tall as a nation.”
The launch of the “Feed the Nation” initiative, marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of agricultural self-sufficiency, to empower farmers and enhance food security for the population.