Monrovia — As a means to eradicate poverty throughout the country, the Liberian Government and the Foundation for African Development Aid Commercial (ADA) over the weekend signed a US$30 million concession Agreement for large-scale commercial rice production in Liberia.

The Rice Concession Agreement, which is the first of its kind in Liberia's agriculture history, was signed at the Ministry of Agriculture in Sinkor. The Government was represented by the Minister of Justice, the Chairman of the National Investment Commission, and Representatives of the Ministry of Planning and Finance among others, while ADA was represented by the president and Chief Executive officer of ADA, Wendell McIntosh.

During the signing ceremony, Agriculture Minister, Dr. J. Chris Toe pointed out that the signing of the new agreement, which is subject to review and ratification by the National legislature prior to its implementation, will bridge the gap between locally produced rice and imported rice considerably.

According to him, the commercial rice production, which is also one of the main thrust of government that will positively influence employment and economic activities in Liberia.

The President and Chief Executive of ADA Commercial Incorporated, Wendell McIntosh, said the signing of the rice Concession Agreement will embark upon mechanized rice production so as to minimize Liberia's dependence on food imports, especially rice.

The duration of the agreement is for 20 years, and it will be renewed provided the terms and conditions are agreed upon within five years before the expiry date of the agreement.

In the agreement, it is stated that 15,000 hectares of land in Lofa and Nimba Counties will be utilized for the intensive cultivation of rice. Housing facilities, public welfare amenities including medical, educational and recreational facilities will be provided for the workers and their dependents as well as electricity, water and sewage facilities.

Minister Toe also pointed out that the signing of the Rice Concession agreement is a further evidence of the commitment of the Unity Party-led government of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf to improve the quality of lives of Liberians.

In a related development, the Minister of Agriculture, over the weekend paid surprise visits to several farmers and gardeners in Montserrado County.

During his visits at various sites of farming projects, the minister distributed assorted items, including wheel barrows, water kettles, shovels, diggers, rakes, hoes and buckets among several others to enable the farmers and gardeners to continue their production in agriculture. He told them that it was the government's own way of encouraging them to engage into more farming activities in the interest of the population.

The farmers and gardeners, who were shocked upon seeing the Minister's gesture, expressed gratitude to the Minister and assured him that they will continue their work in producing more food.