By Precious D. Freeman
The Deputy Minister for Planning and Development at the Ministry of Agriculture, David Arqui, has emphasized the need for a strong public-private partnership with Libra Sanitation Incorporated, to enhance fertilizer production for farmers in Liberia.
Minister Arqui stated that such collaboration would significantly strengthen Libra Sanitation Incorporated’s capacity to produce more fertilizers for distribution to farmers, particularly those engaged in the vegetable and fruit sectors.
He made the proposal during a one-day assessment visit to the company’s fertilizer production plant in Kortu Town, Fendell.
The Minister commended Libra Sanitation Incorporated for its efforts in locally producing fertilizer, noting that this initiative would eventually boost agricultural productivity in the country.
He expressed satisfaction that a Liberian company is focusing on organic fertilizer production rather than relying on chemical-based alternatives imported from abroad.
For his part, the Chief Executive Officer of Libra Sanitation Incorporated, Emmanuel Howe, highlighted the company’s long-standing commitment to waste management and its vision to transform solid waste into fertilizer.
He revealed that this initiative was the shared dream of himself and his late brother, George Howe, to provide Liberian farmers with a sustainable source of organic fertilizer.
Howe also appealed to the Liberian government for support to scale up production, stressing that increased production would reduce reliance on imported chemical fertilizers and provide a more environmentally friendly alternative for farmers across the country.
Currently, the Libra Sanitation Fertilizer Plant employs twelve individuals, including female workers, all of whom are provided with the necessary protective gear to ensure workplace safety.
At the end of the visit, Minister Arqui was taken on a guided tour of the Libra Sanitation Incorporated Fertilizer Plant, including its production sites, warehouses, and storage facilities, to assess its operations and potential for expansion.
The Ministry of Agriculture’s endorsement of public-private partnerships in fertilizer production marks a significant step towards self-sufficiency in agricultural inputs, promising long-term benefits for farmers and the broader agricultural sector in Liberia.
