President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has announced the formation of a Committee on Rice to safeguard the stability of Liberia’s staple food.
The committee is designed to address various issues related to rice supply and production, which are critical for the nation’s food security.
The committee’s mandate the following responsibilities including developing policies tocreate comprehensive policies to ensure a consistent and reliable supply of rice across Liberia.
According to an Executive Mansion Press Release, the team is expected to formulate plans to boost local rice production to reduce the country’s reliance on imported rice.
The team will lead the charge in promoting local Involvement by encouraging the participation of Liberian businesses in the rice importation and distribution sectors.
The Committee of experts will also manage the rice stabilization fund through the establishment of effective policies for the reactivation and management of the Rice Stabilization Fund.
President Boakai Wants the rice committee to monitor prices and quality thereby maintaining an up-to-date database on rice prices, comparing costs with major rice-producing countries, and monitor the quality and grades of rice available in the market.
The President Committee on Rice Stabilization members include Amb. Charles Minor- Chairman, Mr. David Vinton – Member, Mrs. Tenaky Toure Kaba- Member, Ministry of Agriculture – Member, Ministry of Commerce & Industry- Member, Ministry of Finance & Development Planning – Member, Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs- Member, Fouta Corporation- Member.
Others included are National Port Authority – Member, Liberia Business Association- Member, Liberia Marketing Association – Member, National Transport Union of Liberia- Member, Liberia Bankers Association – Member, National Civil Society Council of Liberia – Member and Rural Women Organization of Liberia- Member
The Committee is set to commence its work immediately, focusing on ensuring a stable rice supply chain that can support Liberia’s food security needs. This initiative underscores President Boakai’s dedication to enhancing the availability and affordability of rice for all Liberians.
Recently, the government of Liberia under President Joseph Boakai faced mounting pressure to agree to rice importers’ demands for a price hike on the nation’s staple food.
It was reported that failure to comply could result in a severe shortage, as importers threaten to withhold supplies until their demands are met.
A communication from K & K Trading Corporation was sent to the Minister of Commerce, outlining the challenges they are facing and the losses they continue to incur while the Liberian government delays the price increment on the local market.
But, the president immediately held talks with rice importers resulting in the price of rice to be maintained currently.
It is expected that the establishment of the rice stabilization committee will develop framework plans that will meet their core aims and objectives.
The operations of the committee if actualized will see Liberia becoming self-sustainable in food supply.
Rice, as a stable in Liberia, has been noted as a political commodity that needs robust programs for its sustainability.
Government upon government in Liberia continues to face challenges instituting programs which do not yield results.
Liberians are expecting the new measures initiated by President Boakai to bring relief to their stable food marketwise. It is with the hope that the Committee on Rice Stabilization deliver on their functions and responsibilities as instructed by the Liberian Leader.
