NIMBA COUNTY: Liberia has reached a major milestone in its journey toward food security and agricultural transformation. Agriculture Minister, Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, officially launched over 300 acres of lowland rice harvest in Gbedin, Nimba County.
This marks a key achievement in the nation’s efforts to enhance local food production and reduce dependence on rice imports.
Gbedin, historically known for producing certified seed rice since the 1950s, is home to a modern irrigation dam developed under the Ministry of Agriculture’s Smallholder Agriculture Transformation and Agribusiness Revitalization Project (STAR-P). The project supported by the World Bank.
Constructed by Gbedin Agro Business Incorporated, the dam supports 410 acres (160 hectares) of land dedicated to seed and paddy rice production.
This initiative paves the way for sustainable farming and improved food security in Liberia by utilizing high-yield rice varieties and innovative farming technologies.
Addressing an audience that included government officials, agricultural cooperatives, and local farmers, Dr. Nuetah remarked: “Today, we are harvesting 122 hectares—a landmark step in reducing our reliance on imported rice.
“ This achievement reflects the president’s vision for a self-sufficient agricultural sector.
“By embracing mechanization and empowering our hardworking farmers, we are building a resilient farming industry that secures livelihoods and strengthens national food security,” the Minister said.
The Agriculture Minister also showcased the efficiency of modern farming technology by operating a combine harvester that processed three bags of rice in under ten minutes.
“This is the agriculture we envision for Liberia mechanized, inclusive, and efficient.
“Mechanization reduces labor, particularly for women, and makes farming more appealing and productive.
“Over the next six years, our goal is to cultivate 50,000 hectares of rice, enabling Liberians to feed themselves and thrive,” he added.
In his commitment to revitalizing Gbedin as a hub of rice production, Dr. Nuetah announced plans to construct a second irrigation dam, establish a modern warehouse to improve storage capacity, and expand
mechanization services, including affordable access to farming equipment like tractors and power tillers among others.
The head of Gbedin Agro Agribusiness Incorporated, Samuel Brown, expressed his gratitude, saying, “I want to thank the Ministry of Agriculture for this successful project. We are ready to develop an additional 200 hectares and hope for continued support with irrigation. Gbedin is prepared to play a major role in reducing rice imports for Liberia.”
The initiative integrates government support, technical training for farmers, and climate-smart agricultural practices, creating sustainable and profitable farming opportunities for rural communities.
The Ministry of Agriculture is committed to replicating the success of the Gbedin project across the country, aiming to expand rice cultivation and promote sustainable farming practices to achieve
nationwide food security.
