By O’Neill A.R. Philips
Authorities at the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), has recommitted itself to achieve national food self-sufficiency.
This development comes with a renewed focus on direct engagement with farmers, and on expanding agricultural production.
As part of an ongoing nationwide tour, Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, has led high-level interactions with farming communities to assess progress, identify challenges and strengthen support mechanisms. The current phase of the tour began in Bong County on Thursday, March 19, following earlier engagements in the Southeast, and will continue in Margibi and Montserrado counties.
Initial field observations indicate encouraging progress, with many farmers independently starting the cultivation early this year. Within a short period, visible results have demonstrated strong willingness and commitment among the farmers to scale up production, particularly in rice cultivation. “This level of initiative from our farmers is a clear signal that Liberians are ready to feed themselves. Our role now is to reinforce these efforts by expanding support, and creating the conditions necessary for sustained productivity,” Dr. Nuetah said.
In line with government’s national agricultural development agenda, the country intends to develop 7,400 hectares of lowland rice this year.
As part of its broader target to cultivate 50,000 hectares of lowland rice by 2030, the Ministry has planned to cultivate over 1,400 hectares in Bong County, creating opportunities for increased production and local participation.
“We are scaling up lowland rice development not just to increase production, but to create jobs, strengthen rural livelihoods, and reduce our dependence on imported rice. Bong County is central to this effort, and we are confident that with the right support, our farmers will deliver,” said Nuetah. The Ministry said while demand from farmers continues to grow, available resources are being strategically deployed to ensure maximum impact within the targeted areas, with ongoing support from government interventions and key agricultural projects, including SADFONS, IFAD-supported programs, RETRAP, and STAR – P.
Government, Nuetah assured: “remains committed to empower farmers, increase domestic food production, and reduce reliance on imports.”