MONROVIA – For decades, agriculture has been touted as the backbone of Liberia’s economy, with promises of growth, development, and prosperity. Yet, despite the sector’s vast potential, fertile soil, and burgeoning youth population, the industry has often been relegated to mere rhetoric. However, with a renewed focus on empowering farmers and enriching the nation, the stage is set for agriculture to truly drive Liberia’s development, as the current Minister of Agriculture, Alexander Nuetah, is turning rhetoric into reality. He is launching the 2025 National Agriculture Fair in Ganta City, Nimba County, marking a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to transform the sector. With a theme that echoes the nation’s aspirations, “Empowering Farmers and Enriching the Nation,” the fair promises to showcase the country’s agricultural prowess and provide a platform for innovation, entrepreneurship, and growth. The Analyst reports.
Liberia’s Minister of Agriculture, Alexander Nuetah, on Tuesday officially announced the commencement of activities leading to the 2025 National Agriculture Fair (NAF), scheduled to take place in Ganta City, Nimba County, from December 9 to 13, 2025, under the theme “Empowering Farmers and Enriching the Nation.”
Serving as guest at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) regular press briefing, Minister Nuetah highlighted major strides being made in Liberia’s agricultural sector and the government’s commitment to transforming agriculture into the country’s most reliable path to economic growth and self-sufficiency.
“If we empower our farmers, we are not just supporting individuals — we are building a nation,” the Minister emphasized. “Because when farmers generate income, they support other aspects of the economy that help this nation move forward in the way we all desire.”
Agriculture Recognized as an Economic Driver
Citing the recent World Bank report released on October 20, Minister Nuetah disclosed that Liberia’s economy grew by 4%, with the agriculture sector contributing 3.4%, largely driven by rice production and the robust performance of the rubber industry.
He described the recognition of agriculture as a “driving sector of the economy” as a sign of national progress, particularly in the area of rice production, which he said directly reduces the country’s heavy dependence on imported rice.
“When you don’t see Liberian-produced rice on the market, it means it’s being eaten in the homes where production takes place,” Minister Nuetah said. “This shows that rural communities are becoming self-sufficient again, something we must continue to support.”
National Agriculture Fair Returns to Nimba
Minister Nuetah traced the origin of the National Agriculture Fair to a 1956 legislative act mandating the Ministry of Agriculture to hold an annual event recognizing farmers’ contributions to national development.
He recalled that the first Fair was held on Randall Street in Monrovia, with subsequent editions hosted in Bomi (2006), Voinjama, Lofa County (2007), Careysburg, and Margibi County in 2024 at the Booker T. Washington Institute (BWI).
This year’s Fair, he noted, will feature both indoor and outdoor exhibitions, showcasing farm produce, innovations, and agro-value additions from across the country.
“We will be celebrating our farmers, showcasing their produce, and promoting innovation within the sector,” the Minister said. “We will have exhibitions where farmers display their commodities, and we are inviting the public to attend and purchase directly from them.”
High-Profile Guests Expected
Minister Nuetah announced that the 2025 National Agriculture Fair will be attended by several international dignitaries, including the Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the President of Tuskegee University in the United States.
He described Tuskegee University’s upcoming visit as historically significant, noting that the institution played a key role in establishing Liberia’s Booker T. Washington Institute (BWI), which has trained many of the country’s top professionals.
“The President of Tuskegee University’s decision to visit Liberia tells us that the long-standing relationship between our two institutions is being revived,” he said, adding that the engagement aims to rejuvenate technical education and agricultural innovation through renewed collaboration.
Nimba Chosen as Liberia’s ‘Food Basket’
Explaining the choice of Ganta City, Nimba County as this year’s venue, Minister Nuetah said Nimba is one of Liberia’s “breadbasket counties”, alongside Bong and Lofa contributing significantly to national food production.
He revealed that the county hosts Liberia’s cocoa garden, where improved cocoa varieties now yield fruit within two to three years, compared to seven years in the past.
“We want the President to visit and see for himself the remarkable transformation happening in cocoa production,” he said.
Sector Achievements: Feed Yourself Agenda in Motion
Providing updates on the government’s “Feed Yourself Agenda,” Minister Nuetah said the Ministry has made tangible progress toward achieving food security and boosting income for rural farmers.
He disclosed that since 2024, the Ministry has:
Developed 10,220 hectares of lowland for rice production — part of a five-year target of 50,000 hectares;
Expanded cassava cultivation on 800 hectares (2,000 acres) of mechanized farmland, supporting women and youth cooperatives;
Cultivated 10,209 hectares of cocoa farmland in Bong, Lofa, and Nimba Counties, toward a national target of 20,000 hectares.
The Minister further revealed that investors have been attracted to the cassava sector, with plans underway to establish a starch processing factory in Liberia. Additionally, the Ministry has introduced nine new cassava varieties, including high-starch types designed to support industrial processing.
Infrastructure and Support for Farmers
Minister Nuetah announced ongoing efforts to develop 200 kilometers of feeder roads in Bong County to enhance farmers’ access to markets.
He commended international partners including the World Bank, African Development Bank (AfDB), and the European Union for their continued support in land preparation, input supply, and access to finance for smallholder farmers.
“Some of our farmers are now accessing small grants through our projects, enabling them to expand production,” he said.
The Agriculture Minister concluded by inviting Liberians at home and abroad to converge in Ganta from December 9–13 to celebrate the nation’s farmers.
“Our farmers will travel from far distances to display their products not just to showcase but also to sell,” Minister Nuetah urged. “So come prepared to support them by purchasing their produce. Empowering our farmers is enriching our nation.”
The Minister then officially launched the 2025 National Agriculture Fair, marking the beginning of activities leading to Liberia’s biggest agricultural event of the year.