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By: Moses Geply/ Maryland/Agri – Journalists Network of Liberia
HARPER, Liberia — In a major breakthrough for agricultural research in Liberia, the College of Agriculture and Food Science at William V.S. Tubman University has successfully harvested its first rice from a Savannah demonstration site, challenging long-held beliefs about the viability of rice farming in such terrain.
Last week, faculty members and students gathered at the university’s demonstration farm near the main campus in Harper City, Maryland County, to reap what they had sown—a milestone in agricultural education and food production for the region.
Dr. Larry Hwang, dean of the College of Agriculture and Food Science, praised the harvest as a significant step forward.
“This pilot project tested the feasibility of growing both lowland and upland rice on savannah soil, which many local farmers consider unsuitable. Not only did the experiment succeed, but it also provided our students with hands-on training in modern farming techniques.” Dr. Larry Hwang disclosed.
The initiative began three months ago after the university received agricultural machinery from the World Bank through the STAR-P project, facilitated by the Ministry of Agriculture. This support allowed students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world farming.
“Our faculty and students cultivated rice on a three-acre plot, and today, we are proud of the results,” Dr. Hwang said.
While he did not disclose the exact quantity of rice harvested, he emphasized that the yield would support further agricultural expansion, benefiting both the university and the surrounding community.
Faculty members involved in the project expressed their enthusiasm. Adam Julie Moore, the college’s administrative assistant, highlighted the importance of hands-on training.
“This achievement is a testament to the hard work of Dr. Hwang and his faculty members. Despite limited access to farming tools, they have made significant progress,” Moore said. Students also voiced excitement about the initiative. Haji Sheriff, president of the Agriculture College student body, stressed the importance of practical experience in agricultural education.
“This project has expanded our knowledge beyond theory, and we are eager to apply what we’ve learned,” he said, urging the Liberian government to prioritize agriculture in the national academic curriculum.
For months, Tubman University has cultivated a variety of crops, including okra, peanuts, and watermelon. However, production has been hampered by shortages of fertilizers and farming equipment.
The university’s agricultural efforts have received strong community backing. Residents of Barrobo have allocated 5,000 acres of land to support expansion, with about 100 acres already in use for farming various crops.
As Tubman University continues its push for sustainable agriculture in Liberia, faculty and students hope their latest success will pave the way for larger-scale projects, ensuring food security and economic growth for the region.
