Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah has announced a US$650, 000 project to reconstruct the Fagonda River Dam in Lofa County. This game-changing initiative will create an advanced irrigation system to support over 250 acres of farmland, boosting rice production and enhancing food security in Liberia.
Funded by the Liberian government and executed by the Liberia Qiang Shen Group, construction begins this December and is expected to be completed within six months. This dam will restore a historic rice production site, reviving Lofa County’s reputation as Liberia’s “food basket.” This project supports President Joseph Nyumah Boakai’s “Liberians, Feed Yourselves Agenda,” which aims to reduce reliance on imported food.
Minister Nuetah said, “By this time next year, we expect a fully operational irrigation system supporting over 200 hectares of rice production. This project creates income opportunities for the local community while positioning Liberia for agricultural success.”
With ongoing international collaborations, private sector support, and a clear focus on self-sufficiency, this project is a significant step toward achieving the National Agriculture Development Plan’s goal of 50,000 hectares of rice under cultivation. A Ministry of Agriculture release quoted the minister as saying, “Together, let’s celebrate this milestone and the brighter future it promises for our farmers and nation.”
