Agriculture Minister Launches Nationwide Tour

Monrovia Liberia: Agriculture Minister Launches Nationwide Tour.

In his quest to address agricultural challenges and promote sustainable farming practices in Liberia, Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah has Launches Nationwide Tour.

Minister Nuetah stated that the mission aims to gather “firsthand information” from farmers across the country regarding their needs and challenges. This information will inform short-term technical and policy interventions, guide future policy decisions, and help identify potentials within various value chains.

Accompanied by FAO Country Representative to Liberia, Bintia Stephen Tchicaya, the Agriculture Minister and his team visited several farms. They interacted with local farmers from cooperative groups and inspected rice installation plants and mechanization hubs under construction in Foya and Voinjama Districts.

Dr. Nuetah announced a series of critical initiatives by the ministry to support farmers, including the introduction of improved farming techniques, provision of better seed varieties, financial assistance for smallholder farmers, and the establishment of mechanization hubs around the country to enhance production efforts.

The Agriculture Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to improving the agricultural sector’s productivity and competitiveness, while also promoting food security and rural development.

As part of the tour, Dr. Nuetah will also travel to Nimba, Bong, and Margibi counties to engage with a diverse array of stakeholders in Liberia’s agricultural sector.

These interactions are expected to provide valuable insights into the diverse challenges faced by the country’s agricultural sector and generate meaningful potential solutions.

By engaging directly with farmers and stakeholders, Dr. Nuetah aims to create a more responsive and effective agricultural policy framework that addresses the real-world issues faced by those in the sector. The insights gained from these interactions will be crucial in shaping policies that not only address immediate concerns but also lay the groundwork for long-term agricultural development in Liberia.

During the tour, the Agriculture Minister emphasized the importance of community involvement and collaboration with international partners like the FAO to ensure the success of these initiatives. He highlighted that the government is committed to providing the necessary support and resources to help farmers adopt modern agricultural practices and technologies.

In Nimba, Bong, and Margibi counties, Dr. Nuetah and his team will continue to evaluate the progress of ongoing projects, identify additional areas in need of support, and gather feedback from local communities. The minister’s visits will also include discussions on how to better integrate smallholder farmers into larger value chains, ensuring that they benefit from increased market access and improved livelihoods.

Overall, the nationwide tour represents a significant step towards a more vibrant and resilient agricultural sector in Liberia. The ministry’s proactive approach aims to address the current challenges, capitalize on new opportunities, and ultimately ensure that the agricultural sector contributes significantly to the country’s economic growth and food security.

As Dr. Nuetah continues his tour, he remains dedicated to fostering an environment where farmers can thrive, agricultural productivity is maximized, and sustainable practices are the norm. The outcomes of this tour are expected to play a pivotal role in driving the future direction of agricultural policies and initiatives in Liberia.