Agriculture Minister Launches 300-Acre Rice Harvest in Gbedin, Nimba County Boosting Food Security.
By: Melvin Flomo
Liberia’s Agriculture Minister, Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, has officially launched the harvest of a 300-acre lowland rice project in Gbedin, Nimba County, a major milestone in the nation’s push toward agricultural self-sufficiency. The project, under the Ministry of Agriculture’s flagship program, integrates modern, climate-smart techniques to improve productivity and reduce dependence on imported rice.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Nuetah described the initiative as a transformative step in Liberia’s agricultural sector, with plans to expand cultivation to 50,000 hectares over the next six years. He emphasized the importance of modernizing agriculture through mechanization, adding that a second dam for irrigation and a mechanization center for affordable machinery rentals are in the pipeline.
“This project is more than just a harvest; it is a symbol of Liberia’s commitment to achieving food security and empowering our local farmers,” Dr. Nuetah said.
Meanwhile, the Gbedin rice project is supported by the Smallholder Agriculture Transformation and Agribusiness Revitalization Project (STAR-P). Through this initiative, local farmers have received improved seeds, fertilizers, and access to tractors, significantly enhancing their capacity for large-scale production.
Moreover, farmers in Gbedin have expressed optimism about the project’s impact, with plans already underway to cultivate an additional 200 hectares of rice. They noted that the provision of modern tools and inputs has boosted their productivity and incomes, setting a precedent for agricultural success across the country.
Additionally, Dr. Nuetah also called for continued collaboration among stakeholders to sustain the momentum, urging both public and private sector actors to invest in the agricultural sector. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing the necessary resources and policies to ensure the project’s long-term viability.
This milestone represents a bold step toward reducing Liberia’s reliance on rice imports and achieving food sovereignty. As the nation looks to expand similar projects, the success in Gbedin serves as a model for future agricultural initiatives across Liberia.
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