NIMBA COUNTY – Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah has concluded a two-day working visit to Nimba County, where he assessed farming activities, engaged and encouraged farmers, and reinforced the Government of Liberia’s commitment to increasing agricultural production and improving rural livelihoods.
The visit began in Manbor Town, Electoral District #3, where the Minister received a rousing welcome from farmers, community leaders, women and youth.
During a town hall engagement, farmers highlighted key constraints affecting agricultural production, including the lack of farming tools and equipment and limited access to processing machinery.
Explaining the purpose of his visit, Dr. Nuetah said regular engagement with farmers is essential to understanding their challenges and ensuring that the Ministry’s interventions respond to their needs.
“When the farmers see the Minister of Agriculture, they are motivated to work. My job should not be only in the office; I should reach out and meet the farmers and understand what their challenges are.”
The Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to working closely with farmers to increase production, strengthen agricultural extension services, and improve technical support across the country.
He toured extensive cassava and lowland rice farms in several communities, including Manbor Town.
He inspected more than 1,000 acres of high-potential lowland in Gbaytuo, an area that could significantly boost Liberia’s rice production under the Liberians Feed Yourselves Agenda.
Throughout the visit, he assessed crop performance and encouraged farmers to remain committed to expanding production. “I have come here today to say thank you first, but also to encourage you to do more of what you are doing.”
He emphasized that while the Government will continue investing in agriculture through sound policies, strengthened extension services, and budgetary support, farmers remain the driving force behind Liberia’s agricultural transformation.
“Agriculture will never work in this country unless you make it work. Government can make policies and provide support, but it is the farmers who will make agriculture work.”
The Minister also commended women for their significant contribution to food production and urged young people to embrace agriculture as a pathway to national development.
“Women make up the larger proportion of our agricultural workforce, especially in rural communities. Your voices matter in how agriculture should be. The years to come for agriculture in this country depend on our young people.”
Dr. Nuetah also announced plans to hold a National Agriculture Conference to bring together women and young people from across Liberia and help shape the future of the country’s agricultural sector.
“We are planning to have a national conference that will bring the women and the young people together to discuss what we can do so you will like agriculture, and you will make agriculture work in this country. We want to hear from you.”
He noted that Liberia’s fertile land, abundant rainfall, and extensive water resources provide a strong foundation for achieving food security and reducing dependence on food imports.
The two-day visit underscored the Ministry of Agriculture’s commitment to maintaining direct engagement with farming communities, strengthening agricultural extension services, and working alongside farmers to build a more productive, resilient, and food-secure Liberia.
