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Liberia

High yielding rice seeds arrive for Liberian farmers

The first consignment of 26 metric tons high-yielding rice seed has arrived in the country from the West African Rice Development Association (WARDA), now called the Africa Rice Center. The second consignment of 24 metric tons is due in the country shortly.

The seeds are mostly NERICA ("New Rice for Africa") and other improved varieties. The seeds will be multiplied by the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) in Suakoko, Bong County and five NGOs, in collaboration with select farmers and Farmer Based Organizations (FBOs) that are part of a Seed Bank Program.

The Seed Bank Program is a result of donors support to the Ministry of Agriculture aimed at assisting smallholder farmers increase rice production to sustain them. The Ministry of Agriculture seeks to establish Seed Banks in the country for the economic growth that increases opportunities for farmers.

The seeds were purchased by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) as part of the U.S. government's Global Food Security Response Program (GFRP). The World Bank is committed to funding two NGOs: ADRA and Samaritan's Purse. The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), through the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO), will support three NGOs; namely: Greenstar, Africare and Catholic Relief Services (CRS). The African Development Bank (AfDB) will fund the activities of the IPs during the second and third years of the seed bank program.

During the last three years, rice production has increased from 85,000 metric tons of milled rice in 2005-2008 to 144,000 tons in 2006-2007 and 170,000 metric tons in 2008 -2009. Nonetheless, this amount is less than pre-war production levels. It is anticipated that the seed bank program will help boost upland and lowland rice productivity.

The increase in rice production is mainly due to efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture and its partners and, in particular, the willingness of the Liberian farmers to produce more rice.

During the handing-over ceremony at CARI on Saturday, Dr. I Akintayo, Coordinator, Africa Rice Initiative/WARDA said his organization was pleased to identify with Liberia especially during this time of need.

He said with support from UNDP, farmers in three counties, Bong, Nimba and Lofa will also benefit from high quality rice seeds for multiplication.

Acting Agriculture Minister, Lwopu Kandakai thanked WARDA and the donors, USAID, World Bank and FAO for providing the foundation rice seeds which she noted would contribute significantly to the food security requirements of the Liberian people.

Also speaking were officials of USAID and FAO, Mr. William Massaquoi and Mr. Abdul Razaak who pledged their organizations commitment in supporting the efforts of the Liberian government to increase food production and reduce poverty.

Dr. J.Q. Subah, Director-General of CARI and the IPs - Green Star, Africare and CRS of the Seed Bank scheme assured the donors that all will be done to multiply the seeds under sound agronomic practices so that certified seeds will be produced for onward multiplication.