The government through the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) over the weekend announced a plan to install a rice processing plant in Saclepea, Nimba County, a step towards boosting rice production and farming processing that would help strengthen the country's food security.
This move aligns with the country's efforts to increase local food production and reduce reliance on imports, according to Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah.
This initiative is part of the government's goal to cultivate at least 7, 400 hectares of lowland rice within five years-of that total amount of hectares, 2000 is situated in Nimba County, Dr. Nuetah disclosed this at the launch of the 2026 harvest season in Nimba County.
The launch emphasized the importance of transitioning from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture, with plans to establish mechanization centers, improve irrigation systems, and provide access to modern farming equipment.
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Nuetah said the ministry has set ambitious goals, including cultivating 50 hectares of its lowland allocated to the government for commercial farming in the county.
But, clarified that proceeds from the cultivation of lowland rice within the county be used for the communities development.
Also, Dr..Nuetah used the occasion to encourage farmers by pushing for increased rice production to make it more affordable for everyone.
"We eat more rice, so you must grow rice, and let it be plenty on the market," Dr. Nuetah said. Adding, "We too, who eat more rice, must buy rice from our farmers."
Nuetah said the ministry is targeting to construct thirteen (13) mechanize centers across the country with three of them in Nimba County.
The minister, meanwhile, emphasized President Joseph N. Boakai's dedication to transforming the country's agricultural sector.
The president's vision is for farmers to adopt modern and sustainable practices, moving away from traditional methods.
This aligns with the National Agriculture Development Plan (NADP) 2025-2029, which focuses on a value-chain approach, incorporating production, aggregation, processing, marketing, and consumption.
The NADP aims to make Liberia self-sufficient in food production, reducing reliance on imports. President Boakai has urged farmers, businesses, and policymakers to work together to achieve this goal, emphasizing the importance of investing in agricultural infrastructure, technology, and research.
The plan also prioritizes empowering farmers, promoting modern technologies, and creating opportunities for large-scale cooperative farms.
In his interjection Alex Tomah, Commissioner of Zoegeh Administrative District lauded the agricultural boss and team for their support to farmers in the area.
Commissioner Tomah said, the gesture from the government to support farmers in that part of the country is a clear manifestation of a responsible government.
Also, Stanley David, chairman of the farmers in Behyepea, appreciated the Ministry of Agriculture's (MOA) efforts through the Smallholder Agriculture Transformation and Agribusiness Revitalization Project (STAR-P).
The project aims to boost agricultural productivity and commercialization, especially for rice, oil palm, and horticulture value chains.
David also requested for more support like boots, cutlasses, and other farming materials to take their rice production to the next level.
The STAR-P project is implemented by the MOA, with support from the World Bank and IFAD, targeting 38,000 smallholder farmers across Liberia's 15 counties, with at least 30% women participation. The project focuses on climate-smart agriculture, improving crop productivity, and enhancing market access.
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The 2026 harvest launch in Behyepea brought together farmers from far and near including elders, youth and women groups.
Dr. Nuetah and team also extended the harvest launch to Blami and Guotoin towns in Yarwin Mehnsonnoh agriculture district., several kilometers bordering Nimba and Bong Counties along the St. John River.
He took the opportunity to tour several agriculture districts across Nimba County, where he launched the 2026 harvest season and emphasized the government's commitment to enhancing agriculture in Liberia.
The government aims to make Liberia self-sufficient in rice production, reducing dependence on imports and strengthening food security.
