By O’Neill A.R. Philips
In an effort to maximize Government’s target of 50 thousand hectares for rice production across Liberia, about 200 hectares of low land (swamp ) have been earmarked for rice production this year in Grand Bassa County.
Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah made the disclosure on Friday, March 6, 2026 when he met with farmer groupings in Korean Farm, Benson River Community in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County.
Dr .Nuetah announced that the ministry is piloting about 200 hectares for rice cultivation in Grand Bassa County. He said the government is supporting the process through the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) STAR – Project .
“Rice remains the government’s top priority under the agriculture agenda, ” Dr. Nuetah said. “Liberia must reduce its dependence on imported rice by increasing domestic production,” he added.
He also disclosed plans to promote pepper production for export particularly from Grand Bassa noting that investors from Turkey and China have expressed interest in importing Liberian pepper.
The Agriculture boss encouraged farmers to organize themselves into cooperatives in an effort to produce higher quantity for bigger markets overseas.
Earlier, the farmers raised concerns about land preparation, lack of processing equipment, expensive livestock feed and limited market access due to deplorable farm to market roads.
They appealed for training, technical assistance, grant or loan as well as requesting concerted attention from the MOA towards Grand Bassa under the ministry’s projects.According to the farmers, Grand Bassa has the land and is ready to showcase their agriculture potential if supported by government.
Dr. Nuetah is on a second leg counties tour inspecting agriculture projects funded by the government as well as delivering President Joseph NyumaBoakai’s agriculture agenda for Liberia.
As part of the tour, he visited the K&K Investment and Organic Feedings Cooperative Inc., on the outskirts of Buchanan, owned by CEO Michael Kphoghomu, where he toured the company agribusiness operations.
The Buchanan-based enterprise operates a 15,000-bird poultry farm, along with a hatchery, piggery and goat farm. The business also runs a mini Guest House and restaurant and currently employs 45 employees and about 75 contractors.
Dr. Nuetah praised the investment, describing it as a strong example of the private sector’s role in transforming Liberia’s agriculture sector.
The minister’s tour will continue to River Cess, Sinoe and Grand Kru counties, where he will engage farmers, visit agricultural concessions and assess development opportunities in the sector.