By Our contributing writer
Nimba County — The Government of Liberia in collaboration with Gbedin Agro – Business Incorporated has officially launched the “Gbedin Riçe” in Campus #3 in Gbedin, District #2 Nimba County.
The launch was held at the Gbedin Agro – Business Incorporated compound on Wednesday, October 8,2025.
Agriculture Minister, Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah who launched the project said President Joseph Nyumah Boakai’s goal is to have Liberia self sufficient in rice production by 2029.
Dr. Nuetah said Gbedin rice has been identified by the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) as one of seven branded locally produced rice to be sold on the Liberian market.
The Agriculture Minister indicated that the move is a giant step towards food self sufficiency particularly in rice cultivation.
“Gbedin rice is one of the seven brands of rice identified by the MOA for production in Liberia,” Min. Nuetah said. ” It is a very great step for the goal that we have for Liberians to eat the rice that we produce,” Dr. Nuetah added.
He assured the Gbedin Agro – Business of government continued support and called upon the institution to keep the rice on the market.
“We want to see this nature of rice on the market that Liberians will go and buy,” Min. Nuetah stated.
He said although the local rice is a bit expensive than imported rice, government is supporting first year production cost for farmers in the local rice market in a bid to reduce pricing.
“Government is helping in the process of land acquisition, providing seed rice, fertilizers and giving grants that is needed in the first year of production,” Min. Nuetah said. ” That is how government is subsidizing rice farmers, and we hope price will be reasonable that farmers will earn a decent livelihood,” he added.
However, he admited that challenges persist in rice production in Liberia, but urged farmers to collaborate with government for a win – win solution.
“We know we have challenges but, both the government and farmers can collectively solve the problems and Liberians can have locally produce rice at an affordable price,” Min. Nuetah stressed.
At the same time, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Gbedin Agro – Business, Samuel Brown thanked the government for its continued support to the organization.
CEO Brown said the government and the World Bank have provided huge support in the cultivation of about 309 acres in the Gbedin area for rice production.
He mentioned that in 2024, Gbedin rice produced 463 metric tons, and 400 acres were cultivated.
Mr. Brown also said about 600 metric tons is expected this year. He indicated that Gbedin Agro – Business will produce rice all year round.
The Gbedin agriculture site for rice cultivation is a government project since 1960 with more than 7200 acres.
The launched of the Gbedin rice is a step towards fulfilling the National Agriculture Development Plan ( NADP), a program government says is intended to have Liberians feed themselves by 2029.
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