By Bill W. Cooper
The Manager of the A.W. Farm, Melvin David, has disclosed plans to begin the production of egg trays in Liberia, following the Ministry of Agriculture’s (MOA) merchant grant intervention.
David, a local poultry farmer in Bomi County, A.W. Farm is one of the beneficiaries of the government’s through the Ministry of Agriculture Rural Economic Transformation Project (RETRAP) funded by the World Bank (WB).
Through the MOA-RETRAP and STAP-P Projects, several local farmers involved into different value chains are now upgrading their farming potentials from substantial to merchandize farming, which is one of the key pillars of this government’s ARREST agenda.
This grant is also part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to support local businesses and reduce the country’s reliance on imported goods including Liberia’s staple food, rice, thus ensuring that the country becomes self-sufficient in food productivity.
David, who has been working in the poultry industry for several years gaining valuable experience and expertise in the field, is now a dedicated, ambitious farmer who is set to revolutionize the production of egg trays in the country with the support of the MOA-RETRAP grant.
During the media tour at the MOA’s grantees farm, David said with his passion to make a positive impact in Liberia, he sees the need to expand his business and create more job opportunities by producing egg trays locally; stating that the MOA has come as a welcome boost to his plans, providing the necessary funding to purchase equipment and materials needed to scale up his production.
“I am thrilled and grateful to the Ministry of Agriculture for this grant because this support will enable me to take my business to the next level and contribute to the growth of the poultry industry in Liberia. I am excited to start producing egg trays and create more opportunities for Liberians,” he noted.
The production of egg trays, which is a crucial aspect of the poultry industry, has been one of the major challenges poultry farmers have been faced with because it provides a safe and efficient way to transport eggs from the farm to the market.
By producing egg trays locally, David said he aims to meet the growing demand for said essential product in Liberia and reduce the country’s dependence on imported egg trays, which he said will not only strengthen the local economy but also promote sustainability and self-sufficiency in the agricultural sector.
According to him, with the grant from the MOA, he has invested in new equipment and technology to enhance the efficiency and quality of his egg tray production, expanding further that by adopting modern manufacturing techniques and utilizing eco-friendly materials, he aims to produce high-quality egg trays that meet international standards while minimizing environmental impact.
This commitment to innovation and sustainability, David further indicated that it sets him apart as a forward-thinking entrepreneur with a vision for a more prosperous and sustainable future for Liberia precisely the already challenged agriculture sector.
He maintained, “I believe that by producing egg trays locally, we can create a more resilient and self-reliant poultry industry and not only will this benefit my business and the local economy, but it will also contribute to environmental conservation and reduce our carbon footprint.”
He added, “So, I am committed to making a positive impact through my business and creating a more sustainable future for our country through agriculture, a sector I believed and optimistic that will change the narrative of this country.”
Meanwhile, David further disclosed that his farm also benefited several other items including as power tailors, generator, over 4,000 chicks among others from the MOA-RETRAP projects to scale up his production.
