Agriculture Coordinator in Grand Kru County Reinforces the Ministry Commitment to Transforming Agricultural Sector

By: Emmanuel Koffa |Grand Kru County Correspondent

Barclayville City, Grand Kru County-Thursday, October 16, 2025-The office of the Agriculture Ministry in Grand Kru County has reaffirmed the Government of Liberia’s commitment to transforming the agricultural sector with the support of its partners.

Alfred F. O’gunti, the County Agriculture Coordinator, emphasized that the government’s plans, articulated through the ARREST agenda, align with the country’s long-term agricultural development goals.

He noted that the initiative aims to reduce the heavy reliance on imported rice by empowering Liberians to grow their own food.

O’gunti revealed that the government has developed a program focused on cultivating 50 hectares of swamp land to boost local rice production and decrease dependence on imports.

He highlighted that President Joseph Boakai and Agriculture Minister Dr. Alexander Nuetah have identified the agriculture sector as a key priority for the administration.

With approximately 70% of the staple food in Liberia being imported, O’gunti stated that this government initiative aims to increase farmers’ incomes by a significant percentage over the next five years while reducing the country’s reliance on imported food.

The Grand Kru County Agriculture Coordinator disclosed that Grand Kru County is set to benefit from a portion of the 6,500 hectares designated for lowland rice production across the country by 2025.

 O’gunti encouraged local farmers to engage in lowland farming practices, stressing that the government discourages deforestation on upland areas due to its detrimental impact on climate change.

O’gunti also announced that at least 72 smallholder farmers in the county are expected to receive significant agricultural support following a donation from the Joseph N. Boakai Foundation (JNB Foundation). Recently, the JNB Foundation presented a 20-foot container of ROKO Urea fertilizer, valued at over $220,000, to the Ministry of Agriculture for distribution nationwide.

According to the County Agriculture Coordinator, this contribution from the JNB Foundation aims to empower farmers, enhance food production, and bolster the government’s agricultural priorities.

He further emphasized the crucial role of cooperative groups in enhancing the livelihoods of local farmers.

O’gunti highlighted that uniting farmers into cooperative associations would not only promote collective farming practices but also attract vital support from various partners and organizations for sustainable agricultural development.

The Coordinator stated that cooperative groups enable farmers to pool resources, share knowledge, and access larger markets. “By working together, farmers can increase their bargaining power when it comes to selling their produce, purchasing seeds, and acquiring necessary farming equipment,” the Coordinator explained. “This strategy is not just about today, but it is about building a resilient agricultural sector for the future.”

For some times now, farmers in Grand Kru County have faced numerous challenges, including limited access to markets, financial constraints, and the effects of climate change.

The Agriculture Coordinator encouraged them to reach out for assistance in establishing these groups, which are essential for securing future partnerships and funding opportunities.

According to him, partnering with such organizations could lead to training programs, access to better farming techniques, and financial aid for equipment and infrastructure improvements. “Investment in our agricultural cooperatives can lead to better yields, improved food security, and enhanced income for our farmers,” they noted.

The Agriculture Coordinator urged farmers to take proactive steps toward forming cooperative groups. “The future of agriculture in Grand Kru County depends on our ability to work together. Let us embrace the cooperative model and pave the way for a prosperous farming community,” he said.