By Emmanuel Koffa emmanuelkoffa506@gmail.com
With partners’ supports, the office of the Agriculture Ministry in Grand Kru County, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to transform the sector.
Alfred F. O’gunti, said government has articulated through the ARREST Agenda, which align with country long-term agricultural development goal.
O’gunti said the initiative aims to reduce the reliance on imported rice, i.e. to empower Liberians to grow their own food.”
On that basis, O’gunti said government has developed a program, with focus on cultivating 50 hectares of swamp land to boost local rice production, thereby decreasing the dependence syndrome of imports.
He highlighted how President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, and Agriculture Minister, Alexander Nuetah, have identified the sector as a key priority.
With approximately 70 percent of the staple food being imported, O’gunti said government initiative aims to increase farmers’ incomes by a significant percentage over the next five years, while reducing the country reliance on imported food.
He said the county is soon to benefit from a portion of the 6,500 hectares designated for lowland rice production by the end of the year.
O’gunti encouraged local farmers to engage in lowland farming practices, stressing that the government discourages deforestation on upland areas due to its detrimental impact on climate change.
He also announced that at least 72 smallholder farmers in the county are expected to receive significant agricultural support following a donation from the JNB Foundation.
Recently, the JNB Foundation presented a 20-foot container of ROKO Urea fertilizer, valued at over US$220,000 to the Ministry of Agriculture for distribution nationwide.