Rédaction Africa Links 24 with New Dawn
Published on 2024-04-03 00:43:00
The Ministry of Agriculture in Monrovia, under the leadership of Mr. J. Alexander Nuetah, has put forward a significant proposal known as the National Agricultural Development Agenda (NADP). This agenda is designed to provide a strategic direction for the agricultural sector over the next six years, with a focus on addressing challenges within the sector while dealing with budgetary constraints.
During a press briefing on April 2, 2023, Minister Nuetah emphasized the urgent need for increased human resource capacity and budgetary support to drive the agricultural sector forward. The NADP, currently in the formulation stage with support from technical partners, aims to steer the agricultural sector towards sustainable growth and development.
Under the framework of the NADP, Minister Nuetah outlined plans to adopt a value-chain approach to the development of agricultural products. This approach includes a focus on various sectors such as food crops, tree crops, fruit crops, livestock, and fisheries. The Minister disclosed specific initiatives within each of these sectors to propel growth and productivity.
For food crops, the proposal includes allocating 50,000 hectares for rice production, 20,000 hectares for mechanized cassava production, and 2,000 hectares for mechanized vegetable production. In the tree crops sector, plans involve providing land for small cocoa, coffee, cashew nut, and coconut farms. Fruit crops like avocado, citrus, and papaya are also on the agenda for development.
Livestock plays a significant role in the NADP, with proposals to revamp cattle ranges, support poultry farms, and promote goat, sheep, and pig rearing programs. Strengthening institutional capacity, particularly at the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI), is highlighted as a crucial component to achieving the goals set out in the NADP.
In addition to production initiatives, Minister Nuetah emphasized the importance of agriculture mechanization, technology access for farmers, and standardizing commodity markets to improve efficiency and competitiveness. To address financial constraints, the proposal includes the establishment of an Agricultural Development Bank to facilitate finance access for value chain development.
The Ministry has also launched cooperative production programs for rice and other commodities, benefiting communities across various regions. The University of Liberia Farms initiative aims to provide students with practical agricultural experience by engaging them in hands-on learning opportunities.
Despite progress, challenges remain, including staffing shortages within the Ministry. Efforts are underway to address these gaps by recruiting district agriculture officers and specialists. Minister Nuetah reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to agricultural development and called for united efforts to overcome challenges and unlock the sector’s full potential.
In conclusion, the proposed National Agricultural Development Agenda is a comprehensive strategy aimed at transforming the agricultural sector in Liberia. With a focus on sustainable growth, productivity, and efficiency, this agenda sets a clear trajectory for the sector’s development over the next six years. By addressing challenges, leveraging technology, and fostering collaboration, the Ministry of Agriculture is determined to drive agricultural prosperity and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
Read the original article on The Newdawn Liberia
