By Bill W. Cooper
Two rice processors in Lofa County are pleading with the government through the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) for more financial support intended to boost rice productivity in the country.
The rice industry is a vital sector in Liberia, which if prioritize by government, could provide huge employment for thousands of Liberians, as well as contribute significantly to the country’s economy.
However, the Agricultural and Infrastructure Investment Company (AIIC) and the Selma Agriculture Development Cooperation (SADC), the only two processing mail in Lofa County is a pivotal player in Liberia’s rice industry, owning thousands of land spaces.
AllC’s General Supervisor Jangai Fofana and SADC’s Operational Manager Kamara Mattaly said despite the government’s intervention, the challenges faced are hindering their ability to increase productivity and meet the growing demand for rice in Liberia.
Despite the challenges, both AIIC and SADC efforts have however made some significant strides in boosting rice production and ensuring food security but the need for further financial support to ensure the extension of their processing machines can never be over-emphasized.
Both AIIC and SADC are renowned for their approach in buying rice from local farmers, processing, and packaging after receiving some marching grants from the MOA through the World Bank Star-P Project.
In an interview with journalists, AllC’s General Supervisor Fofana said, “We also have two school feeding programs across the country in collaboration with Mercy Corps and the World Food Programme (WFP).”
According to him, despite all of these advancements, AIIC still faces significant financial hurdles, particularly in securing funds to purchase rice from local farmers, transportation and storage among others.
He disclosed that his company sources rice in two primary categories which include lowland and upland asserting, “Lowland rice is procured at a cost of US$17 per 52 pallets, while upland rice is bought for US$16 per 52 pallets.”
“This pricing structure is a reflection of the varied growing conditions and associated costs of rice production and the major challenges we face in acquiring enough cash to consistently purchase rice from local farmers,” Fofana explained.
He added, “Our goal is to support the agricultural community and ensure a steady supply of high-quality rice, but financial constraints limit our capacity and if this company is fully supported by the government and other local and international NGOs, the country will reduce the importation of rice.”
While SADC’s Operational Manager Kamara Mattaly noted that one of the main challenges facing rice processors in Liberia is the lack of access to affordable financing which his cooperative is of no exception.
According to him, many rice processors are small-scaled farmers who do not have the financial resources to invest in modern equipment and technology that would help them increase their productivity.
He asserted that without access to affordable financing, rice processors are unable to expand their operations and improve the quality of their products, and noted, “In addition to the lack of access to financing, rice processors in Liberia also face challenges such as high production costs, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to markets.”
Mattaly further indicated to address these challenges and boost rice productivity in Liberia, rice processors need to be heavily supported by government through the provision of more finances in cash and kind.
He, at the same time, urged the government to establish a dedicated fund to provide low-interest loans to rice processors as well as grants to help them invest in modern equipment and technology.
Meanwhile, as AllC and SADC continue to navigate these challenges; they remain steadfast in mission to transform Liberia’s rice industry and ensure the actualization of the government’s vision of a self-sufficient Liberia that reduces reliance on rice imports.
Also, by providing more financial support, investing in infrastructure, and providing training and technical assistance, the government can help rice processors overcome these challenges and boost rice productivity in Liberia which will not only benefit rice processors but also contribute to the overall development of the country’s economy.
