Minister Nuetah Defends Local Rice Production

… Rejects Rice, Cattle Allegations

By Amos Harris

Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah has reaffirmed the Ministry of Agriculture’s commitment to strengthening local food production, empowering Liberian farmers, and promoting sustainable agricultural development, while firmly rejecting allegations of rice repackaging and irregular cattle procurement.

Speaking to journalists, Minister Nuetah described the allegations raised by Nimba County Electoral District #5 Representative Kortor Sehwongbay Kwagrue as entirely unfounded. He specifically dismissed claims that the Ministry imports rice from China to repackage and sell as locally produced grain.

“We are not in the business of selling rice. Why should we be interested in repackaging rice for the public?” Minister Nuetah asked, maintaining that the Ministry’s sole focus remains on supporting local farmers and expanding the domestic rice industry.

Minister Nuetah explained that recent improvements in the quality, processing, and packaging of Liberian rice have allowed local products to compete effectively with imported brands. He emphasized that Liberian farmers and processors are now producing high-grade rice that meets consumer expectations, demonstrating the true potential of the nation’s agricultural sector.

According to the Minister, the Ministry initiated direct purchases of paddy rice from local farmers after they repeatedly raised concerns regarding the lack of reliable markets for their produce. This initiative guarantees farmers a dependable market, supports local processing businesses, and expands the reach of Liberian rice across the country.

Minister Nuetah highlighted five prominent Liberian rice brands currently benefiting from these production and processing initiatives: Gbedin Rice and Dan Rice from Nimba County; Selma Rice and Foya Queen from Lofa County; and I Love Liberian Rice, produced by CHAP in Montserrado County. He also recognized Mohamed Kamara, a rice processor based in Foya, Lofa County, among the contracted suppliers processing and packaging locally purchased rice. In a sign of growing commercial interest, the Minister disclosed that a major rice importer recently requested 1,000 bags of Liberian rice, illustrating the increasing demand for local agricultural goods.

To further elevate the domestic rice industry, Minister Nuetah noted that the Ministry’s Smallholder Agriculture Transformation and Agribusiness Revitalization Project (STAR-P) facilitated the distribution of approximately 500,000 branded empty rice bags to local processors. The initiative aims to enhance product branding, identification, and overall marketability.

Addressing transparency concerns, the Minister welcomed independent scrutiny and offered journalists full access to relevant supply contracts, encouraging media professionals to visit processing facilities and engage directly with farmers, processors, and suppliers. He assured that the Ministry remains fully prepared to provide all necessary documentation to clarify its rice procurement and processing activities.

Turning to separate allegations regarding the procurement of 200 cattle, Minister Nuetah denied any personal or business connection with the contracted vendor. He explained that all procurement procedures followed the established guidelines governed by the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC), under the direct management of the Ministry’s procurement director.

The Minister confirmed that the cattle were successfully delivered to the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) and Grand Kru County. While acknowledging that 24 animals died during the process, he clarified that the contractor accepted full responsibility and agreed to replace them. The supplier subsequently delivered two additional batches of 40 cattle each to Grand Kru County, where local authorities formally received the livestock.

Minister Nuetah also refuted claims that cattle intended for Grand Kru County were diverted to a community linked to his wife’s family, reiterating his readiness to open official records for independent verification.

“You can ask for our vendor registry. They have the contracts we signed this year. Take the contact information and call each and every one of them,” Minister Nuetah urged reporters.

Dr. Nuetah concluded by reassuring the public that the government’s primary focus remains on supporting Liberian farmers, improving market access, strengthening domestic food security, and empowering local agribusinesses to reduce Liberia’s reliance on imported food.

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