By: Wilfred Duosi
The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), in collaboration with its partners, has begun harvesting more than 750 hectares of lowland rice in Fuamah District, Montserrado County,an effort aimed at boosting Liberia’s domestic rice production capacity.
Agriculture Minister Dr. Alexander Nuetah disclosed that the harvest is being carried out by local farmers who have received direct support in training, financing, and farming inputs from the Ministry and its partners.
He emphasized that strengthening the resilience of farmers remains crucial for achieving national food security.
Minister Nuetah underscored the sector’s need for greater investment, noting challenges still affecting the harvesting process. These include limited access to modern farming tools and insufficient technical skills among farmers, factors he believes hinder efficient and large-scale rice production.
Despite the constraints, Dr. Nuetah reaffirmed the government’s continued commitment to supporting farmers.
“We are supporting them, but they own it. The government is not taking anything from them. My worry now is to see how they can sell the rice they get out of here,” he said.
According to him, Liberia has identified rice production as a national priority under several key programs, including the Public Sector Investment Project (PSIP) and the National Agriculture Development Plan (NADP).
Adding that, this year, the government is supporting 500 farmers with US$4 million, targeting the cultivation of 1,000 hectares of lowland rice using improved seeds, mechanization, and technical assistance.
The launch of the 2025 National Rice Harvesting Season underscores renewed focus on increasing yields, promoting mechanized farming, and reducing the country’s heavy reliance on imported rice.
The minister noted that farmers are currently receiving direct cash payments of US$1,000 per hectare, with 60% allotted for land preparation and 40% for harvesting, part of the government’s drive to empower farmers and enhance production efficiency.
Minister Nuetah revealed that the Ministry-funded project is being implemented in eight counties, with additional support going to several notable smallholder groups.
The smallholder groups include Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MPC), one of the largest rice producers in Liberia, a smallholder farm in Gbende, Nimba County, producing approximately 400 acres of rice and a solar-powered farm in Lofa County with 300 acres under rice cultivation.
He further maintains that production is ongoing in Margibi and Montserrado Counties, while Lofa, Bong, and Nimba continue to serve as Liberia’s traditional breadbasket regions.
Minister Nuetah encouraged farmers to intensify their efforts to improve skills and productivity, noting that the government remains fully prepared to support agricultural activities nationwide, particularly rice production.
