Monrovia, Liberia – A USD 650,000 project to rebuild the Fagonda River Dam has been announced by Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, Liberia’s Minister of Agriculture. Through the development of a cutting-edge irrigation system to sustain more than 250 acres of farmland, this groundbreaking project will increase rice output and improve Liberia’s food security.
The Liberian government is funding the project, which is being carried out by the Liberia Qiang Shen Group. Construction is scheduled to start in December, this year and it is expected to be completed in six months.
With the restoration of a historic rice production location, Lofa County will continue to be known as Liberia’s “food basket.”
The project supports President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s “Liberians, Feed Yourselves Agenda,” which aims to reduce reliance on imported food.
“We anticipate a fully functional irrigation system supporting more than 200 hectares of rice production by this time next year,” Minister Nuetah said. This initiative positions Liberia for agricultural success while generating revenue for the local community.
The initiative is a major milestone toward reaching the 50,000 hectares of rice under cultivation target set forth in the National Agriculture Development Plan, provided that there are continued international partnerships, private sector assistance, and a strong emphasis on self-sufficiency.
Let’s unite in celebrating this significant occasion and the better future it holds for our country and agriculture, Minister Nuetah said.
