Agriculture Minister Commends Panta and Zota Rice Farmers as Bong County Advances Toward National Self-Sufficiency
Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah has lauded the strong performance of rice farmers in Panta and Zota Districts, describing their progress as a significant boost to Liberia’s ongoing pursuit of rice self-sufficiency.
Dr. Nuetah is currently leading a five-day inspection tour across Bong County to monitor and accelerate rice production under various initiatives, most notably the IFAD-supported Building Climate Resilience for Food Security (BCRP) project under the Ministry of Agriculture. In Bong County alone, BCRP is cultivating 400 hectares of rice, with prospects for further expansion based on continuing assessments and farmer readiness. Additional gains are being driven by innovative community-led initiatives such as the Panta Pride Group, which is helping to mobilize and motivate smallholder farmers.
The Minister expressed strong admiration for the work being done by farmers and the scale of transformation observed.
“As I walked through their paddy fields, I was surprised to see 100 acres developed on a fully mechanized scale—the first I have seen in recent times,” he said. “I also visited a 30-hectare field in Gbarnga-Siaquelleh and several demonstration sites. They are doing well, and we want to see this replicated across other areas.”
According to the Minister, Bong County is demonstrating the potential to maintain its historical reputation as one of Liberia’s breadbasket counties and even surpassing it. He noted that while some communities still face productivity challenges, the energy and organization observed in Zota and Panta Districts show what determined farmers can achieve when properly mobilized and supported.
“As I moved toward Zota and Panta, the level of motivation from farmers was striking,” he said. “Thanks to groups like Panta Pride, we are witnessing new energy in the sector. If we continue at this pace, Bong County could become the top-producing county.”
Dr. Nuetah linked these local achievements to broader national trends that indicate significant progress toward reducing Liberia’s reliance on imported rice. He referenced a May assessment supported by the Gates Foundation, which showed that 49% of the rice consumed in Liberia last year was produced locally, placing the country on a clear trajectory toward its goal of reducing rice imports by 70% by 2029.
He further noted that a World Bank report released in late October confirmed an upward trajectory in national rice production in 2024, with even stronger gains projected for 2026.
“Some of our farmers are surpassing expectations and increasing productivity at encouraging rates,” he said. “We hope others will take inspiration from these examples and double up.”
Addressing one of the most persistent challenges in the rice value chain which is post-harvest loss, Dr. Nuetah highlighted the Ministry’s Post-Harvest Management Strategy, completed last year. The strategy targets at least a 5% reduction in losses through improved storage and increased access to modern post-harvest tools such as threshers.
“Too many farmers still rely on small knives to harvest, and that leads to unnecessary losses,” the Minister noted. “We are addressing this with better equipment and improved handling practices.”
As part of the Ministry’s long-term plans to modernize farming in Bong County, construction is already underway on a mechanization center that will provide farmers with access to essential production and processing machinery, including combine harvesters.
The Minister’s engagement in Bong County underscores the growing momentum across Liberia’s rice sector. With increased farmer motivation, expanding mechanization, and coordinated support from development partners and local groups, Bong County is emerging as a model for agricultural transformation. The Ministry of Agriculture remains committed to scaling these gains nationwide to ensure Liberia achieves lasting food security and reduces rice import dependence in the years ahead.
