By O’Neill A.R. Philips (Contributor)
The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) has begun a mult-stakeholders dialogue on incentives for rice production with emphasis on value chain.
The rice farmers and stakeholders’ dialogue was held recently at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in oldest Congo Town, outside Monrovia.
Deputy Agriculture Minister for Planning and Development, David K. Akoi, said the dialogue on incentives for rice value chain is government’s initiative to bring farmers, particular rice farmers together to brainstorm on ways and means that will ensure Liberia feed herself.
Akoi called on participants at the two days dialogue to share their perspectives, insights and challenges in rice production.
“Over the next two days, we will be exploring on key challenges and opportunities that exist in the rice value chain.”
He said recommendations from the farmers will be submitted to a committee at the MoA for smooth implementation.
Akoi encouraged participants at the dialogue to be bold and open in discussing the local rice sector for the betterment of the industry.
He used the occasion to express gratitude to foreign and local partners of the MoA and expressed optimism for their continued support.
Also, at the opening program, was Madam Christine Umutoni, United Nations Resident Coordinator for Liberia.
Madam Umutoni thanked the MoA for the dialogue on rice incentive, and noted that rice serves as a sample of national identity, and that the dialogue is pivotal in improving the rice sector.
She called on the government to transform the rice sector by supporting the private sector, investing in rice farmers for their benefits.
Umutoni also said the transformation of the rice sector must be built on transparency, and accountability, and provide partnership for incentives.
She said that rice must remain affordable and available on the Liberian market through a roadmap that is bold.
Moreover, at the two days dialogue various areas in rice production will be discussed. Some key areas include findings of the MoA assessment report on incentives for private sector investment, towards understanding of priority incentives for rice value chain development, co-defining shared roadmap- guiding principles and governance structures.
The dialogue bought together farmers from the 15 counties Agriculture Coordinators, Regional Coordinators, agriculture partners, including the Food and Agriculture Organizations ( FAO), the International Fund for Agriculture Development, the Ministry of Financ and the National Rice Federation of Liberia (NRFL).