MONROVIA — The Ministry of Agriculture has confirmed the arrival of the first batch of agricultural machinery at the Freeport of Monrovia as part of efforts to expand mechanized farming across Liberia.
According to the Ministry, the shipment includes 24 tractor heads, eight semi-trailers, eight trucks and eight towing vehicles, forming part of a total of 306 pieces of agricultural machinery and equipment being brought into the country.
The Ministry said the second and final batch, consisting of 42 containers, is expected to arrive by September 26.
The equipment will support 13 Agricultural Mechanization Service Centers in Nimba, Montserrado, Bomi, Margibi, Bong and Lofa Counties, providing farmers access to mechanized services at affordable rates.
The Ministry also said Chinese technicians are expected in October to conduct 40 days of hands-on training for Liberian machinery operators and technicians. The training is scheduled to begin October 10 at the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) in Suakoko, Bong County.
Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah said the initiative is intended to reduce manual labor, increase land cultivation and boost food production.
