Over the weekend, Western Cluster Liberia Ltd. conducted its first rice harvest project in Tubmanburg, Bomi County, as part of a seed multiplication initiative aimed at benefiting local communities affected by the company’s mining activities. This project marks the start of a broader plan to replicate the agricultural effort across multiple communities in the region.

The rice harvest is a component of Western Cluster’s commitment to support the Liberian government’s Agriculture, Roads, Railways, Energy, and Schools Transformation (ARREST) agenda. While primarily a mining enterprise, the company is diversifying its activities to include agricultural development as a means of fostering local economic growth.

Joseph Coelho, CEO of Western Cluster Liberia, expressed the company’s dedication to contributing beyond the mining sector. “Even though our main focus is mining, we believe it’s equally important to contribute to the agricultural sector. Agriculture is the backbone of any sustainable economy, and we want to be part of that process here in Bomi County,” Coelho said.

In recent months, Western Cluster introduced Indian rice farming in Bomi County. This initiative aims to supply local farmers with high-quality seeds and strengthen Liberia’s agricultural capacity. The rice variety chosen is a fast-growing, high-yield Indian parboiled rice, commonly imported to Liberia. According to Coelho, this variety is ready for harvest within three months, making it an attractive option for local farmers.

“The rice we are bringing to Bomi County is the same variety that people often travel to India for. It’s a fast-growing type that takes just three months to be ready for harvest,” Coelho explained. The project’s initial phase involved planting two kilograms of seeds, which yielded an impressive 400 kilograms of rice in the first harvest, demonstrating the variety’s productivity.

Western Cluster plans to extend the project by distributing seeds to local farmers and providing ongoing technical support. “Since this is the first of its kind in Bomi County, we will be conducting seed distribution after the first harvest. Our goal is to ensure that more local farmers get access to these seeds and can start growing this high-quality rice,” Coelho added.

The CEO also assured that Western Cluster would offer training and technical assistance to farmers to facilitate the adoption of this new farming technique. “We are committed to working with the farmers and offering the necessary training and support for them to make the most of this opportunity,” he stated.

By incorporating agriculture into its portfolio, Western Cluster Liberia seeks to contribute to the long-term economic resilience of Bomi County and beyond. The company’s efforts align with national goals of diversifying the economy and supporting local food security, particularly in mining-affected areas where agricultural support can foster self-sufficiency and reduce dependency on imports.

As the project progresses, Western Cluster hopes to see significant growth in the local rice supply, improved food security, and a positive impact on the livelihoods of farmers in the region. 

Published Date: November 4, 2024