LIBERIA – The Liberian Ministry of Agriculture has announced the launch of the Seeds4Liberia Project, a pioneering initiative designed to improve Liberia’s seed quality and access, thus tackling critical agricultural challenges faced by the nation.
Officially titled Building Resilient Seed Systems for Rice, Cassava, Soybean, Coffee, and Fish Value Chains to Strengthen Food and Economic Diversification in Liberia, this project is set to reshape Liberia’s agricultural landscape significantly.
The four-year, EU-funded Seeds4Liberia initiative seeks to produce 6,000 tons of certified rice seeds, aiming to reduce rice imports by 70% over five years.
The project will also expand seed production for cassava, soybean, and coffee, as well as support initiatives in mechanization, financial access, and research partnerships to build a robust agricultural capacity.
Speaking on behalf of Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, Deputy Minister for Administration Antoinette Dukuly emphasized the critical role of high-quality seeds in Liberia’s food system.
“Without quality seeds, we cannot grow the crops that feed our people, support our rural communities, or diversify our economy,” Dukuly said.
She noted that Seeds4Liberia is uniquely designed to address Liberia’s long-standing issues with uncertified seeds, overreliance on imports, and inadequate seed production infrastructure.
The project aligns with the goals of Liberia’s National Agricultural Development Plan (NADP) 2024-2030, which prioritizes food self-sufficiency, economic growth, and rural transformation.
According to Minister Dukuly, improving seed quality and availability will empower local farmers to boost productivity, improve livelihoods, and contribute meaningfully to Liberia’s economy.
“The success of this project will directly contribute to food security, job creation, and economic diversification in Liberia,” she added.
EU Ambassador to Liberia, Madam Nona Deprez, underscored the European Union’s commitment to fostering Liberia’s agricultural self-reliance.
“We want to support Liberia in having its own seed systems, production and distribution , so you do not have to buy your seeds from abroad and to enable greater autonomy in food production,” she said.
Ambassador Deprez highlighted the long-term objective of the project: a sustainable seed system that can independently sustain Liberia’s food security and economic growth beyond the project’s conclusion.
The Seeds4Liberia Project will be led by AfricaRice in collaboration with a consortium of agricultural experts, including the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and WorldFish.
National partners like the National Fisheries & Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), the Liberia Agricultural Commodity Regulatory Authority (LACRA), and the Central Agriculture Research Institute (CARI) will also contribute, creating a dynamic partnership aimed at advancing Liberia’s agricultural sector.
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