Government Rolls Out Major Rice Production and Processing Drive in Nimba County
Nimba County, Liberia — The Liberian government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, has unveiled a major investment plan to increase rice production and enhance market access for local farmers. Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah announced the initiative during a three-day visit to the county, where he is meeting with farmers across various communities to commend their dedication and role in food production for the 2025 planting season.
Speaking at a town hall meeting in Behyepea, Zoegeh District, Dr. Nuetah disclosed plans to establish community-owned rice farms across Nimba. Under the initiative, 50 hectares of lowland rice will be developed in each of the county’s ten agricultural districts beginning in 2026. This initiative will be rolled out to other productive counties and implemented alongside community leaders.
“These farms will be owned and managed by the communities themselves. Once the rice is produced, it will be sold, and the proceeds will be used to support development projects within the communities,” Dr. Nuetah said. He added that the Ministry will provide land preparation support and improved rice seeds to ensure the program's success.
The Minister further announced that the government’s national target for lowland rice development in 2026, under the Liberians Feed Yourselves Agenda, which aims to cultivate 50,000 hectares of lowland rice nationwide by 2029, is 7,400 hectares, with more than 2,000 hectares allocated to Nimba County, making it one of the largest beneficiaries of the initiative.
“And I can boldly say that I am proud of you, Nimbaians. Nimba does not disappoint. Farmers across the county are hardworking, and Nimba has shown a good example. We want to encourage you to continue working hard in lifting our country up,” Dr. Nuetah said.
To address the long-standing challenge of limited market access for farmers, the Minister announced that the government plans to establish a major rice-processing facility in Saclepea before the end of the year. The plant will serve farmers in Saclepea, Tappita, and surrounding communities, allowing producers to focus on growing paddy rice while processing and packaging are handled centrally.
“When farmers grow their rice, someone should be able to take it, process it properly, and bring it to the market. With a modern processing plant, Liberian rice will be clean, well packaged, and competitive,” he said.
The Minister reaffirmed that the Government of Liberia will continue to work closely with farmers to expand rice production, strengthen value chains, and create sustainable markets, turning agriculture into a reliable engine of growth, food security, and shared prosperity for Liberians.
