Rédaction Africa Links 24 with New Dawn
Published on 2024-03-22 01:05:00
In a bid to boost food security and advance the Government’s ARREST Agenda, the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) in Liberia is embarking on an agricultural initiative in Bong County. The plan involves the development of 2,000 hectares of land in Bong Mines, Fuamah District, which has been identified as a key area for agricultural expansion due to its fertile soil and favorable climate.
The objective of this initiative is in line with the government’s commitment to supporting local farmers and enhancing agriculture in Liberia. It is also part of the broader Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism (ARREST) agenda, aimed at increasing food security across the country.
Agriculture Minister Alexander Nuetah recently unveiled the government’s plans during a visit to Bong Mines, where he officially relaunched the Fuamah District Multipurpose Cooperative Society (FDMCS). The 2,000 hectares of land earmarked for development are owned by the FDMCS, a cooperative with over 986 members. This initiative is supported by the MoA and its partners under the Smallholder Agriculture Transformation and Agribusiness Revitalization Project (STAR-P) and Rural Economic Transformation Project (RETRAP), funded by the World Bank (WB) and the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD).
The STAR-P project focuses on providing agricultural financing, capacity building, and creating an enabling environment for farmers and agribusinesses to enhance productivity and competitiveness. On the other hand, the RETRAP project, funded by the WB, aims to strengthen agri-marketing and road infrastructure investments to improve market access for farmers.
These projects are being implemented across all 15 counties in Liberia, with a combined target of 98,000 beneficiaries across various agricultural value chains. Farmers receive support in accessing quality seeds, adopting modern farming techniques, and receiving necessary resources to optimize their productivity and increase crop yields.
Minister Nuetah emphasized the importance of collaboration among farmers, urging them to work together to overcome challenges and seize opportunities in the agricultural sector. He reassured local farmers of the government’s commitment to supporting their efforts and developing the 2,000 hectares of land for rice production. Additionally, the Ministry plans to build warehouses and a rice mill to process the harvested rice, further supporting local farmers in marketing their produce.
The Chairperson of the FDMCS welcomed the government’s intervention and expressed gratitude for the support that has enabled the cooperative to expand production and improve livelihoods. Local farmers also expressed optimism about the government’s plans, believing that working together through the cooperative will open new markets, increase income, and improve their overall well-being.
Overall, the agricultural initiative in Bong County represents a significant step towards enhancing food security, supporting local farmers, and advancing the ARREST Agenda in Liberia. Through collaboration and collective effort, the government aims to empower farmers and promote sustainable agriculture practices for the benefit of all stakeholders involved.
Read the original article on The Newdawn Liberia
