The Inquirer (Monrovia)
17 March 2008
The Liberian Produce Marketing Corporation (LPMC) and Mercy Corps Liberia, an American based NGO would shortly begin the distribution of about 3, 500 cocoa seedlings to farmers in Compound #2, Grand Bassa County.
The exercise according to a release is part of LPMC and Mercy Corps farm extension and rehabilitation project being considered in line with the Memorandum of Understanding signed late last year by which the 78.2 acres of cocoa farm is being rehabilitated agriculturally at several stages.
Over the weekend, LPMC and Mercy Corps officials including Managing Director, Nayeh Mantein and Country Director, Tom Ewett, visited the farm and expressed satisfaction over the progress achieved thus far.
Mr. Mantein described the achievement so far gained as very important in the history of LPMC and the nation's produce sector because according to him "cocoa and coffee play a very essential role in the life of the nation and people".
He said under his administration, LPMC's cocoa and coffee farms would be brought under the economic limelight because in his concept, poverty reduction depends on the vitality and productive capacity of cash crops such as cocoa and coffee.
He paid tribute in a special way to Mercy Corps Liberia for the job well done and assured his open hand and heart to the entity hoping that such gesture would be extended to other parts of LPMC's farm across the country.
Meanwhile, Mercy Corps Country Director, Tow Ewett has pledged his entity's preparedness to help LPMC in its strive for rebirth as far as cocoa production is concerned.
Mr. Ewett, praised Mr. Mantein and the LPMC management for the vision to rehabilitate LPMC's cocoa farms which he said have a good rating considering their organic nature.
At the farm, essential projects including the construction of a Palava hut, among others are taking place while jobs are being created for several persons.
Technicians there predict a very good harvest by the produce season beginning July this year. The Mercy Corps/LPMC marriage is being praised in many quarters and described as a dramatic turning point as LPMC strives for rebirth and growth.
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