Monrovia – The Authorities of Liberia (GoL), via the Ministry of Agriculture, has begun the disbursement of funds to 500 farmers throughout eight counties below its Public Sector Funding Challenge (PSIP), a budget-funded initiative geared toward boosting rice manufacturing and lowering imports.
For fiscal yr 2025, the agriculture part of the PSIP has been allotted US$4 million to help the cultivation of rice, cassava, maize, oranges, avocados, and coconuts. Underneath the rice program, farmers are being supported to domesticate 1,000 hectares of lowland rice in Bomi, Bong, Grand Bassa, Grand Cape Mount, Margibi, Lofa, Montserrado, and Nimba Counties.
Every farmer will obtain US$1,000 per hectare, with 60% disbursed as direct money help for land clearing, nursery growth, and structure, whereas 40% will probably be allotted to weeding and harvesting.
Moreover, farmers will obtain fertilizer, improved seed rice, pesticides, and different agricultural provides. Funds are tied to efficiency milestones, and disbursements are anticipated to be accomplished by the top of this week.
Deputy Minister for Regional Improvement, Analysis and Extension, Moses Gbayan, described the initiative as historic. “That is the very first time in Liberia’s historical past that farmers are receiving direct compensation of this sort. Let it’s clear: if you don’t full the work, you’ll be compelled to repay the cash. The rice you develop this yr will feed you and your households subsequent yr.”
Assistant Minister for Administration, Folton Blasin, highlighted the broader imaginative and prescient behind this system.
“Right now, we’re supporting 500 farmers with rice and fertilizer to domesticate 1,000 hectares of lowland rice. For too lengthy, you will have labored with cutlasses and hoes. This intervention is a step towards self-sufficiency. Liberia should scale back its dependence on imported rice, a lot of which expires earlier than it arrives.’’
For her half, Deputy Minister for Administration, Antoinette Dukuly, urged farmers to make use of the funds for his or her meant function. “Don’t divert this cash to pay faculty charges or purchase motorbikes. We’ll monitor your progress step-by-step. Assist the federal government that will help you enhance your lives,” she pleaded.
Representing the beneficiaries from Montseerado County, Annie Doeyee, a farmer in Todee District with a five-hectare lowland plot, thanked the federal government for the well timed help.
“That is the primary time the federal government has helped us within the swamp. Clearing palm timber and stumps is a difficult job. We respect it.” Equally, Aaron Davies, head of a household of ten from Sanoyea District, Bong County, who farms two hectares, defined how this help will profit him: “I’m more than happy that the federal government helps us now. Once I farm, I gained’t want to purchase imported rice. I can develop my very own meals, and it’s more healthy too.”
The GoL is dedicated to offering smallholder farmers with monetary help and farming provides, aiming to extend native rice manufacturing, scale back dependence on imports, and enhance rural livelihoods nationwide. For the Ministry of Agriculture, the PSIP is extra than simply monetary support; it represents a long-term dedication to agricultural reform and meals safety.
