BONG COUNTY, Liberia – Liberia’s push toward food self-sufficiency is gaining traction, with Bong County emerging as a focal point of progress in rice production. Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, touring key sites this week, hailed the strides being made in seed development and cultivation, describing them as “the kinds of results we want to see across the country.”
At the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) in Garmuu and Sinyea, foundation seed production is underway on 20 hectares of land, supported by the SADFONS initiative. These sites are expected to supply improved seeds to farmers nationwide, strengthening the backbone of Liberia’s rice program. “The sites we have visited are impressive and are meeting our objectives,” Nuetah said, underscoring the importance of scaling such efforts across all counties.
Bong County alone is targeting more than 1,400 hectares of rice cultivation this year. Nationally, over 7,400 hectares are already under production, with projections suggesting Liberia could surpass 10,000 hectares once contributions from farmers across the country are factored in. The figures mark a significant step toward reducing reliance on imported rice, which has long dominated the Liberian market.
Encouragingly, officials note that Liberia now imports less than half of the rice it consumes, a shift attributed to rising local yields. Minister Nuetah emphasized that meeting production targets would not only cut import costs but also bolster food security. “If we meet our targets, we will significantly reduce importation and strengthen our food security,” he said.
Still, the Minister cautioned against complacency, urging stakeholders to sustain momentum. “The progress is real, but we must do more,” he stressed. His call reflects the broader national challenge: ensuring that improved seeds, modern farming techniques, and consistent support reach farmers at scale.
For Bong County, the optimism is palpable. Local officials and farmers see the seed production sites as a turning point, offering both economic opportunity and a pathway to national resilience. With rice remaining Liberia’s staple food, the stakes are high. Success in Bong County could serve as a model for other regions, reinforcing the government’s ambition to achieve food self-sufficiency.
As Liberia advances its agricultural agenda, the message from Bong County is clear: progress is possible, but persistence is essential.
