By: Ben TC Brooks |River Gee County Correspondent
River Gee County –Tuesday, May 27 2025 – A pivotal rice mill machine, donated for cooperative farmers in Chedepo Jarkaken and nearby regions, has ceased operations a year after installation. The breakdown is primarily attributed to a lack of spare parts and insufficient funding for repairs.
This multi-purpose rice mill played a crucial role for local farmers, enabling them to process and package rice into convenient 25 kg bags for sale. Its unexpected malfunction has raised serious concerns in the county with some attributing it to perceived mishandling of the equipment.
Part of the Ministry of Agriculture’s Smallholder Agricultural Productivity Enhancement and Commercialization Project (SAPEC), the combined rice mill has the capacity to produce approximately 18 metric tons of rice daily.
The project was funded by the African Development Bank (AFDB) as part of its agricultural development support initiative, which aims to boost food production and enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
The rice mill was officially installed in 2015 and rededicated by former President George Manneh Weah on February 21, 2021, during his first nationwide tour, marking a significant investment in local agricultural infrastructure.
In an interview with our reporter, Taifoloh J. Young, Chairman of the Kweanua Kweadea Cooperative, underscored the mill’s considerable impact on farmers in the Chedepo Administrative District and beyond.
“The rice mill significantly aided us in cleaning our rice as cooperative farmers in the district,” he said. “Moreover, various cooperative groups throughout River Gee County depended on it for cleaning their rice before selling or using it for other purposes. Its benefits were immense, and we strongly urge the government to prioritize its repair.”
Local farmer Marie Swen from Chedepo Jarkaken also expressed her appreciation for the mill’s efficiency in the past but voiced her growing frustration over the lack of repairs since its breakdown.
She is appealing to national government and relevant stakeholders for immediate action to restore the rice milling machine, which is vital for the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the region.
When contacted, River Gee County Agriculture Coordinator Jasper Sheriff Tweh confirmed the operational issues facing the rice mill. He noted that since its installation, the mill has only been functional for a few years and has remained idle without necessary repairs.
Tweh elaborated that the machine’s caretaker and technician had informed him of significant issues, including broken fan lines and other parts requiring replacement. “As County Agriculture Coordinator, I have discovered that this rice mill is not only essential for the residents of River Gee but also serves the entire Agricultural Region 5, which encompasses Maryland, Grand Kru, and River Gee County, owing to its production capacity,” he stated.
“We are actively discussing options to repair the rice mill and have initiated outreach with partners, as its functionality would greatly enhance agricultural productivity and food security in our community,” Jasper concluded.
The rice mill, situated in the Chedepo Administrative District, plays a critical role in ensuring a stable food supply for River Gee County, especially considering that the district headquarters, Jarkaken, is located about 60 kilometers from Fish Town, the county capital.
The community is hopeful for a swift resolution to the current challenges, recognizing the essential role that the rice mill plays in supporting local farmers and fostering economic growth in the region.
With the right support and repairs, the mill could once again become a cornerstone of agricultural productivity in River Gee County the region.
Edited: Jesefu Morris Keita| Editor-In-Chief
