Liberia Agricultural and Environmental Journalists Network (LAEJN) Promote informed journalism and public engagement on agricultural and environmental nalists Network (LAEJN)
The National Rice Federation of Liberia in collaboration with all the Agriculture sub-sectors of the Republic recently issued released a press statement expressing serious concern over the establishment of the Rice Committee by the President of Liberia, to the exclusion of the National Rice Federation of Liberia (NRFL) and the Central Agriculture Research Institution (CARI).
The National Rice Federation mentioned in the press statement that it finds it incomprehensible for the government of Liberia to be discussing the issue of rice in Liberia, without involving these Institutions who are major stakeholders in the rice Sector in the country.
The National Rice Federation of Liberia’s press release further went on to say that the inclusion of these institutions on the committee will increase the probability of success for the committee in finding a permanent solution to the Rice crisis facing Liberia.
The press release concluded by urging the Government of Liberia to urgently reconsider the composition of the Rice Committee, to include the National Rice Federation of Liberia and the Central Agriculture Research Institution.
On May 29, 2024, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai constituted a Committee on Rice to ensure the stability of the Country’s staple.
The committee is expected to formulate a policy to ensure a constant and steady supply of rice in the Country, develop a strategy for accelerated local production of rice and import substitution, and ensure Liberians’ participation in the importation and distribution of rice throughout the Country.
The committee is further tasked to formulate policy for the effective reactivation and management of the Rice Stabilization Fund and guarantee the establishment database of rice, price comparison of major rice-producing countries, and the grades of rice.
