The Government of Liberia has officially launched the 2025 National Rice Harvesting Season in Sehyikepa, Sanniquellie-Mah District, marking a significant milestone in its “Liberians Feed Yourselves” Agenda to achieve national food self-sufficiency.

Led by the Minister of Agriculture, Dr J. Alexander Nuetah, the event highlights the government’s renewed efforts to strengthen local rice production, reduce dependency on imports, and empower smallholder farmers through mechanisation and rural infrastructure development.

Held on a 6.5-hectare lowland farm cultivated by the Mekersahn Farming Group, the launch showcased an estimated 10 metric tonnes of rice yield, drawing farmers, local leaders, and community members who gathered to celebrate the growing success of Liberia’s rice sector.

In his remarks, Dr Nuetah commended the resilience of farmers and noted the untapped potential of Nimba County’s lowlands.
“Today, we symbolically launch the harvest season in Liberia. October marks the beginning of our rice harvest, and we will use this occasion to launch it nationwide,” he said. 

“Our people are beginning to understand the importance of being farmers. Nimba County can grow much more rice if we fully develop all its lowlands.”

He reaffirmed that the government’s goal is to end rice imports and promote food security by providing farmers with mechanical support and infrastructure that reduces production costs.

To sustain productivity, Minister Nuetah announced the creation of three mechanisation centres across Nimba County, in Kpein, Gbedin, and Tappitta, where farmers will access tractors, power tillers, and modern equipment at affordable rates. 

These centres aim to help farmers expand rice cultivation and increase efficiency across Liberia’s key agricultural regions.

Farmers from the Mekersahn Farming Group expressed gratitude for the ministry’s support but called for more resources, including storage facilities, warehouses, and advanced farming tools, to sustain production beyond the current season.

Dr Nuetah also confirmed plans to survey new farmlands, expand irrigation systems, and engage young Liberians in mechanised rice farming. 

These initiatives form part of Liberia’s broader agricultural transformation strategy, targeting food self-sufficiency by 2029.

Through these sustained efforts, the Government of Liberia continues to strengthen rural livelihoods, empower youth and women, and build a climate-resilient agricultural economy.

Source: New Republic

Image Credit: CGAIR