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— Government Reaffirms Commitment to Supporting Local Food Production —
By Ishmael F. Menkor
The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), has officially launched the Gbadin Processed Rice Project, reaffirming its commitment to empowering farmers and promoting food self-sufficiency across the country.
Speaking at the launch ceremony in Gbadin, Nimba County, Minister of Agriculture Alexander Nueteh praised the initiative as a major milestone in Liberia’s journey toward agricultural transformation and local rice production.
“We want to see rice of this nature in the market — rice produced by Liberians that Liberians can proudly purchase,” Minister Nueteh said. “Government is determined to support farmers in overcoming production challenges so that local rice becomes more competitive and affordable.”
Minister Nueteh disclosed that the government has established 13 mechanization service centers nationwide, including three in Nimba County — one of which is in Gbadin — to provide essential agricultural equipment and services that will enhance farmers’ productivity.
He emphasized that the Ministry’s ongoing support package includes land preparation, provision of quality seeds, fertilizers, and agrochemicals, among other inputs, to lower the cost of rice production and improve yields.
The Gbadin Process Rice, produced by Gbadin Agrobusiness Inc. under the leadership of Mr. Samuel Brown, comes in parboiled and white rice varieties, both packaged in 25-kilogram bags for the local market.
Minister Nueteh commended Mr. Brown and his team for reviving the once-dormant Gbadin Rice Project and taking bold steps to increase food production.
“We must appreciate what we grow,” Minister Nueteh said. “That is why the government is investing in local farmers — to make agriculture profitable and ensure Liberia’s food security.”
According to Mr. Samuel Brown, the Gbadin Rice Project was first established in the 1960s by the Government of Liberia but collapsed in 1990 due to the civil conflict. The project was revived in recent years, cultivating 309 acres and producing 422 metric tons of rice in 2024.
This year, the company has expanded operations to 400 acres and is targeting 600 metric tons of rice, with continued support from the Ministry of Agriculture.
Mr. Brown appealed to the government to assist in developing upland areas to complement lowland production and increase overall yield.
Following the launch, Minister Nueteh and his delegation toured the Gbadin facilities and farms, where they interacted with local farmers and inspected processing equipment.
The Dokodan Farmers Cooperative praised the Ministry of Agriculture and the Unity Party-led administration for providing vital support in the form of cash, equipment, and farm inputs.
“With the assistance received and the involvement of Gbadin Agro-Business, we successfully cultivated 309 acres of rice last year,” the cooperative said.
They also highlighted improvements in equipment security following the establishment of a government-built equipment hub in the area.
The cooperative appealed for additional machinery, including tractors, power tillers, combined harvesters, and rice processing plants, to expand production across the 410-acre irrigated field.
The launch of the Gbadin Process Rice Project marks a key step in Liberia’s drive to reduce dependence on imported rice and strengthen national food security.
With coordinated government support, public-private partnerships, and community participation, the Ministry of Agriculture aims to make Liberia a nation that grows, processes, and consumes its own food.
