By Stephen N. Tokpah
(Freelancer)
Agriculture Minister Alexander Nuetah has revealed that the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) in Suakoko District, Bong County will not be a place of political interference under his watch as chairperson of the board.
Dr. Nuetah made the statement in Suakoko at the induction ceremony of Dr. Arthur Bob Karnuah as Director General saying that CARI has over the years been influenced by politicians through several means including appointments of administrative staffs among others.
Minister Nuetah explained that CARI works are to be research oriented, independent and void of interference from politicians maintaining that CARI is a national institution only grounded in Bong County.
He warned its employees to avoid politicizing the research entity because doing so will be at their detriment adding that CARI is far below the standards of some research institutions in foreign countries placing a specific reference to Cote d’Ivoire.
The Liberian Agriculture Minister averred that CARI lost its value over the last six years thus reaffirming the government’s commitment through pillar one of the ARREST Agenda in revamping the agriculture sector of which CARI is a key factor.
He further promised to empower the new administration of CARI headed by Dr. Karnuah in making sure the institute works efficiently and reassured an improved CARI announcing that the days of political interference and exploitation of research yields are over at CARI.
CARI’s boss, Karnauh vowed to rebrand CARI as an institute of excellence for agriculture research and innovation in Bong County and Liberia at large.
Delivering his acceptance speech as the director general of CARI on August 8, 2024 in Suakoko District, Dr. Karnauh pointed out scientific excellence, creativity, innovation, integrity, leadership, collaboration, accountability, transparency, respect, inclusiveness and public service as core values of his leadership.
“We will increase food security by contributing to sustainable agriculture growth and an effective agriculture research system,” Dr. Karnauh added.
He further lamented that his leadership will ensure the conduct of applied client oriented and adaptive research in agriculture and natural resources intended to inform policy makers on options to increase agriculture productivity and production without detriment to the natural resource base and the environment.
He further underscored a collaborative efforts in making the institution a better place; discussing accountability, transparency and respect as his main focuses amongst other issues in making CARI a place of attraction as it used to be.
The CARI Director General also promised to share with the board of trustees of CARI his agenda and goals to advance the agricultural research that will contribute to a sustainable and prosperous future of CARI including adaptive field research proposals to be suggested by the research team of CARI for approval and consideration to jump-start research activities.
