Wheasay Clan, Rivercess County – The Rivercess Agriculture Cooperative Society (RACS) has officially launched the harvest of its Wheasay Rice Farm in Rivercess County, marking another major milestone in the cooperative’s effort to boost local food production and support the government’s “Liberia Feed Yourself” initiative.
Speaking during the launch, RACS Secretary-General, Mr. Alexander Gbediah Jr., described the ceremony as a significant step toward expanding agricultural productivity in the county. He said the cooperative, which was established on March 22, 2022, comprises a group of dedicated farmers who came together to promote agriculture across various communities in Rivercess.
“This is farm number two, located in Wheasay Town. As a cooperative, our goal is to expand and increase our activities across the county,” Gbediah explained. “We have farms in Kpedyu Ziah Town, James Town, Chio Town, and now here in Wheasay. This farm alone covers 25 acres of land according to the Ministry of Agriculture’s measurement standards.”
He further disclosed that 24 buckets of rice seed were planted on the farm, and about 14 portions of the rice fields are now ready for harvest. “Today officially marks the start of our harvesting season, and we will continue until the process is completed,” Gbediah added, extending appreciation to the Ministry of Agriculture’s regional and county officials for their support.
Representing the Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Agriculture Coordinator Mr. Lawrence Doe commended RACS for its commitment to advancing agriculture in Rivercess. He delivered greetings from Agriculture Minister Dr. Alexander Nueteh and Deputy Minister for Regional Development, Research, and Extension, Mr. Moses Robert Gbaryan, noting that the Wheasay harvest symbolizes the success of the government’s renewed focus on local food production.
“When the Rescue Government came to power in July 2024, we launched the ‘Liberia Feed Yourself’ agenda,” Doe said. “It means producing what we can eat to reduce our reliance on imported food. What we are witnessing here today in Wheasay is a clear example of that vision taking root.”
Doe praised the efforts of local farmers in the Southeast, emphasizing that agriculture is a key driver of national development. “It is often said that we from the Southeast are not serious about farming, but today this farm proves otherwise,” he remarked. “We will carry this message back to Monrovia — that something good and productive is happening in Rivercess County.”
He further announced that the government aims to cultivate 50,000 hectares of rice and 20,000 hectares of cassava nationwide, alongside new coconut and other crop projects already underway.
“As we move forward, let’s remember that farmers are not poor people — they are among the richest in the world,” Doe concluded. “Let us continue to work hard and make farming a success story in Liberia.”
The harvest launch brought together farmers, local leaders, agricultural officials, and members of the press, all celebrating RACS’s growing role in supporting food security and community empowerment in Rivercess County.
