By Decontee M. Wesseh
MONROVIA, June 19 (LINA) – The Executive Director of the Community of Hope Agricultural Project (CHAP), Robert Bimba, is appealing to the Government of Liberia (GoL) for support to local rice production to help stimulate the country’s economy.
« We are capable of producing and milling the local rice; that is why we are setting up clear targets to ensure that at national functions, Liberian rice is eaten and the rice purchased for supply to government ministries and agencies is supplied by local producers and millers, » he said.
Speaking on a local radio on Tuesday, Bimba said it is not necessary that people in prison eat imported rice, noting that local producers are capable of producing rice for every Liberian to benefit from it.
He indicated that if all Liberians focus their attention on local Liberian rice, it will contribute to the country’s budget and minimize costs being paid by the government to imported rice on the market.
Bimba explained that due to the tariff on the importation of agriculture machinery and tools, among others, « the sector is also faced with the issue of access to agriculture financing as a major challenge in the sector. »
He pointed out that local producers are willing to reduce prices of locally produced rice, if the government subsidizes some of the cost, noting that otherwise, « it becomes very difficult for the local producers and millers to sell high quality Liberian rice at low price. »
« Awareness needs to be raised by every Liberian to help ensure the purchase of local Liberian rice across the country, » he added.
Meanwhile, the CHAP official is calling on the government to also support the private sector to fully function and provide the kind of services to enable them work in their various areas.
CHAP is a locally-owned program working in urban and rural areas in Liberia since 2008 as a focal organization for intensification of rice production.
Its mission is to empower local farmers, women, and youths to increase food production, minimize poverty, disease and dependency for sustainable peace and development in Africa.
LINA DMW/TSS/PTK
