By Moses J. Dawoe
-Maryland (freelance)
Maryland County District 3 Representative, Austin B. Taylor, has called for the adoption of mechanized farming as a crucial step toward improving agricultural productivity in Liberia.
Speaking during a ceremony in Wuluken, Karluway District, on December 29, 2024, Taylor stressed that Liberia must prioritize agriculture to address the nation’s economic challenges.
Returning to the county after the October 10, 2023, elections, Taylor lamented the stagnation of Liberia’s agricultural sector, which he said demands urgent government intervention.
He pointed out that the country’s over-reliance on imported rice—the nation’s staple food—remains a major concern.
“The production of rice locally should be treated as a top national priority,” Rep. Taylor stated.
The representative also reflected on his past efforts to support local farmers, including the donation of a rice processing machine worth thousands of U.S. dollars.
However, he expressed frustration that the machine is currently underutilized due to a lack of training among farmers in operating mechanized tools.
Rep. Taylor used the occasion to advocate for peace and reconciliation among citizens in Barrobo and Karluway Districts, extending the message across Maryland County. Highlighting Liberia’s history of conflict, he remarked, “Liberia has endured too many senseless civil wars. It is time for Liberians to unite and live peacefully together.”
In addition to his push for mechanized farming, Taylor disclosed his engagement with the Minister of Agriculture to explore strategies for revitalizing agricultural activities in Maryland County.
He noted that the issue of limited mechanization in farming is not confined to Maryland but affects the entire country.
During his district tour, Rep. Taylor also expressed gratitude to the residents of Barrobo and Karluway Districts for their overwhelming support in the October 10 general and
presidential elections.
He emphasized that his visit was not just for his supporters but for all Liberians who participated in the democratic process.
The lawmaker’s call for mechanized farming underscores the need for innovative solutions to Liberia’s agricultural challenges.
As the nation strives for self-sufficiency and sustainable development, Representative Austin B. Taylor’s message serves as a timely reminder of the potential for agriculture to drive economic transformation.
The Karluway and Barrobo Districts Representative said he has worked alongside the Minister of Agriculture on the 2025 national budget to secure substantial support for farmers.
