The Government of Liberia has taken another major step toward transforming agriculture in southeastern Liberia with the selection of Picnicess Town in Grand Kru County as the site for a new Coconut Seed Garden under the Ministry of Agriculture.
The decision follows a comprehensive land assessment carried out on Thursday, August 6, 2026, by a team of Ministry of Agriculture soil experts led by Deputy Minister for Extension Moses Gbanyan. The delegation, accompanied by Grand Kru County Superintendent Attonee Worlee Nimely, met with local authorities and residents to evaluate suitable land and discuss the community’s participation in the project. The initiative is part of the Ministry’s broader strategy to establish coconut seed gardens across Liberia, with southeastern counties identified as ideal because of their fertile soils and favorable climatic conditions. Addressing residents during the visit, Deputy Minister Gbanyan said the project is intended to position Liberia as a major producer of coconut products. > “The southeastern region was chosen because the soil and climate are well suited for large-scale coconut production. Our target is to produce coconut oil in large quantities,” he said. He explained that beyond increasing coconut production, the project is expected to empower farmers, improve agricultural productivity, generate employment, and stimulate local economic growth. The assessment comes on the heels of another Ministry of Agriculture mission to Grand Kru. Earlier this week, Deputy Minister for Technical Services Solomon Hedd-Williams visited Klipo-Gbeta Administrative District to advance plans for a national cattle development program, highlighting the government’s renewed commitment to expanding agricultural investments throughout the county. Also addressing the gathering, Elles T. Jackson, President of the Coconut Farmers Association of Liberia, said the Ministry will soon identify and secure a permanent site for the seed garden before work begins. Jackson disclosed that coconut seedlings are expected to arrive in Grand Kru shortly, paving the way for implementation of the project. He pointed out that the Ministry already operates a successful coconut seed garden in Nimba County and believes the Grand Kru project will deliver similar benefits. He encouraged residents to protect and support the initiative, emphasizing that coconut farming not only boosts household incomes but also contributes to environmental conservation and long-term economic sustainability.
Residents and local leaders welcomed the government’s decision, describing the project as a timely investment that will create jobs, strengthen the county’s agricultural sector, and unlock new economic opportunities for the people of Grand Kru.
