Deputy Minister for Economic Management, Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Augustine J. Flomo, says funds provided by government and partners in the past were not received by our rural farmers, saying however that this government will monitor every dimes that will be given to project coordinators.
“Our people have suffered for long, and it is time to be honest with ourselves,” Mr. Flomo said, adding that our people are still using old methods of farming, an indication that the country needs to move to merchandise farming to feed its people.
The Deputy Finance and Development Planning Minister indicated that refraining from the large scale importation of food and food products is the only way the Liberian economy will be strong.
Speaking on the topic “Asset To Finance”, during the official celebrations of “International Day of Cooperatives” held in commercial City of Ganta, Nimba County, Deputy Minister Flomo said if only Liberians can put aside self-interest and put the country first, things will never change in the country.
He said, under President Weah’s Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (PAPD), funds coming to the agriculture sector through developing partners will be monitor to improve the lives of the ordinary people, who according to him, have not benefitted from millions intended for agriculture.
Partners, Deputy Minister Flomo said, are willing to work along with farmers. But he was quick to point out that the farmers themselves need to be honest.” He said PAPD will bring in lots of innovations through the agriculture sector to improve the lives of the people.
Implementing groups of farmers, he said, will be accountable for money given for the real work to be done. Those who are to operate machines that will be given to cooperative members need to be honest with their members.
He indicated that it is the desire of the government that everybody benefit in from assets of the various agriculture cooperatives, instead of converting the belongings of cooperative groupings into personal use;’ reiterating, “This time we will monitor everything that will be given to you, don’t take government or Partners money to be free money.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister Flomo said the Cooperative Societies will benefit the amount of US$25m through the international Foundation for Agriculture Development, an implementing arm within the Ministry of Agriculture, explaining that the President recently signed a US$23m to be ratified by the Liberian National Legislature for the agriculture sector.
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