The People of Nimba County Gowned and Bestowed Paramount Chief Title Upon Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah

Nimba County, Liberia: In a historic show of appreciation, the people of Nimba County have honored Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah with a traditional gowning ceremony, bestowing upon him the prestigious title of Paramount Chief. The honor comes in recognition of his commitment to boosting food production in the region and his unprecedented engagement with rural farmers.

The ceremony marked the conclusion of Minister Nuetah’s official tour across Nimba County, which coincided with the launch of the 2025 National Agriculture Production Season—a key government initiative aimed at reducing Liberia’s reliance on imported rice and strengthening local food security.

First Agriculture Minister to Tour Nimba’s Villages

Minister Nuetah’s visit to Nimba County made history as he became the first Agriculture Minister to travel deep into rural villages, directly engaging with farmers to assess their challenges and support their efforts.

Traditional leaders, elders, women, and youth across the county welcomed the initiative, praising the minister’s hands-on approach. In recognition of his dedication, they adorned him in a traditional gown and conferred upon him the honorary title of Paramount Chief.

“We have had many agriculture ministers before, but this is the first time one has come to us in the villages to see our struggles and work with us directly,” said Chief Moses Zeyon of Gbao-Zontuo, District #7, Nimba County. “This means a lot to us because it shows that the government is serious about helping us farmers grow more food.”

Government Expands Lowland Rice Production in Nimba

As part of the government’s “Liberians Feed Yourselves” agenda under President Joseph N. Boakai, Minister Nuetah’s tour focused on expanding Liberia’s lowland rice production. The initiative originally planned to support 1,600 hectares of lowland rice cultivation in Nimba County, but due to overwhelming enthusiasm from local farmers, the government increased support to 1,700 hectares.

The government’s support package includes:
✅ Land clearing, de-stumping, and preparation
✅ Provision of essential farming tools
✅ Technical support and resources for rice production

Speaking at a farmers’ gathering in Sahnpa-Blinlon, Minister Nuetah emphasized Liberia’s need to achieve food self-sufficiency.

“For too long, Liberia has depended on rice imports, but we have the fertile land and hardworking farmers to grow our own food,” Minister Nuetah stated. “This government is committed to ensuring that our farmers have the tools, training, and resources to succeed.”

He further stressed that agriculture must be seen as a business, not just subsistence farming.

“This is not just about farming—it’s about making farming a business. The government will support you this year; you will produce the rice, you will eat some, you will sell some. Next year, you will do it on your own because farming will become a business,” he declared.

Rice Production Boost & Economic Impact

The expansion of rice production in Nimba is expected to yield approximately 6,290 tons of paddy rice from the 1,700 hectares of supported farmland. After full processing, this will translate to approximately 3,423 metric tons of market-ready rice every four months—significantly enhancing Liberia’s food security efforts.

Key economic benefits of the initiative include:
✔ Affordable locally produced rice, projected to sell between US$17–US$18 per 25kg bag
✔ Job creation and increased income for farmers
✔ Strengthened local economy and reduced dependency on imported rice

An official from the Ministry of Agriculture described the initiative as a “game-changer” for Nimba County and Liberia as a whole. “With consistent government support, we can make Liberia a major player in rice production.”

Farmers across Nimba have expressed optimism about the project, recognizing the potential for increased income and economic growth.

“For too long, we have relied on imported rice. Now, with government support, we can produce enough to feed our people,” said Success O. Johnson, a rice farmer in Freeman Town, Nimba County.

Challenges & Future Outlook

While the government’s initiative is promising, infrastructure development remains a critical factor for sustainability. The government has pledged to:
✔ Improve farm-to-market roads
✔ Expand milling and storage capacity
✔ Introduce mechanized farming and irrigation systems
✔ Ensure fair market opportunities for locally produced rice

Minister Nuetah reassured farmers of continued government investment in modernizing Liberia’s agriculture sector.

“The government will invest in mechanized farming, irrigation systems, and storage facilities to minimize post-harvest losses,” he stated.

If sustained, this initiative could position Nimba County as a leading rice producer in Liberia, drastically reducing the country’s reliance on foreign rice imports.

As Minister Nuetah departs Nimba County, his Paramount Chief title stands as a symbol of deep respect and gratitude from the people. The government’s commitment to agriculture is seen as a turning point in Liberia’s journey toward food security, economic stability, and self-sufficiency.