By: Joseph Daniels
Agriculture Stakeholders in Liberia have launched a 6.5 Million Euros Project aimed at building resilient seed systems for rice, cassava, soybean, coffee, and fish value chains.
The Seed for Liberia Project which is funded by the European Union is also geared towards strengthening food and economic diversification in Liberia.
Africa Rice along with other institutions including World Fish, Central Agriculture Research Institute and the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority among others are implementing the four year project.
In an Interview with Journalists, European Union Ambassador to Liberia Nona Deprez called on the Government and
Farmers to ensure the sustainability of the project following the four years period.
Speaking on behalf of the implementing institutions, Africa Rice Director General Dr. Babourcarr Manneh guaranteed that the project will improve seed systems in Liberia.
The project is projected to produce 6,000 tones of certified rice seeds, 62, 500 bundles of Cassava cuttings, and 45 million large-size fish fingerlings.
About 70 percent of the Liberian population depends on agriculture for livelihood but the sector
remains heavily challenged as farmers are lacking basic tools and seeds to improve yield.
To help address the challenges, Joseph Boakia’s Administration has made Agriculture a priority in its ARREST Agenda for inclusive Development.
Deputy Agriculture Minister for Technical Services Solomon Hedd-Williams said the EU Funded Project is in line with the Government’s plans.