Monrovia, Liberia – September 3, 2025 – The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Agriculture, has begun the disbursement of funds to 500 farmers across eight counties under its Public Sector Investment Project (PSIP), a budget-funded initiative aimed at boosting rice production and reducing imports.

For fiscal year 2025, the agriculture component of the PSIP has been allocated US$4 million to support the cultivation of rice, cassava, maize, oranges, avocados, and coconuts. Under the rice program, farmers are being supported to cultivate 1,000 hectares of lowland rice in Bomi, Bong, Grand Bassa, Grand Cape Mount, Margibi, Lofa, Montserrado, and Nimba Counties.

Each farmer will receive US$1,000 per hectare, with 60% disbursed as direct cash support for land clearing, nursery development, and layout, while 40% will be allocated to weeding and harvesting. Additionally, farmers will receive fertilizer, improved seed rice, pesticides, and other agricultural supplies. Payments are tied to performance milestones, and disbursements are expected to be completed by the end of this week.

Deputy Minister for Regional Development, Research and Extension, Mr. Moses Gbayan, described the initiative as historic. “This is the very first time in Liberia’s history that farmers are receiving direct compensation of this kind. Let it be clear: if you do not complete the work, you will be compelled to repay the money. The rice you grow this year will feed you and your families next year.”

Assistant Minister for Administration, Mr. Folton Blasin, highlighted the broader vision behind the program. “Today, we are supporting 500 farmers with rice and fertilizer to cultivate 1,000 hectares of lowland rice. For too long, you have labored with cutlasses and hoes. This intervention is a step toward self-sufficiency. Liberia must reduce its dependence on imported rice, much of which expires before it arrives.

For her part, Deputy Minister for Administration, Hon. Antoinette Dukuly, urged farmers to use the funds for their intended purpose. “Do not divert this money to pay school fees or buy motorbikes. We will monitor your progress step by step. Help the government to help you improve your lives,” she pleaded.

Representing the beneficiaries from Montseerado County, Annie Doeyee, a farmer in Todee District with a five-hectare lowland plot, thanked the government for the timely assistance. “This is the first time the government has helped us in the swamp. Clearing palm trees and stumps is a challenging task. We appreciate it." Similarly, Aaron Davies, head of a family of ten from Sanoyea District, Bong County, who farms two hectares, explained how this support will benefit him: “I am very pleased that the government is helping us now. When I farm, I won’t need to buy imported rice. I can grow my own food, and it's healthier too.”

The Government of Liberia is committed to providing smallholder farmers with financial support and farming supplies, aiming to increase local rice production, reduce dependence on imports, and improve rural livelihoods nationwide. For the Ministry of Agriculture, the PSIP is more than just financial aid; it represents a long-term commitment to agricultural reform and food security.