By Aaron B Nemah
MARYLAND CO., LIBERIA – Amid rising rice prices, Liberia’s staple food, a group known as “Welchoken Rural Women” has embarked on an agricultural initiative to utilize the fertile soils of Maryland County. They are planting a variety of crops, including cassava, plantains, corn, rice, and yam, among others.
The group was organized to support the Ministry of Agriculture’s agenda to mitigate the high prices of food in Liberia. Addressing this publication over the weekend, Madam Chris Walker, head of the Welchoken Rural Women group, stated that the platform has been self-supported since its inception. She emphasized the importance of swift intervention from the Ministry of Agriculture and philanthropists to provide financial assistance and logistics for smooth operations.
“The space currently being used for these mixed-vegetable crops is approximately fifty acres of land, and with efforts from the Ministry of Agriculture and humanitarians, more space is available for cultivation,” Madam Walker lamented.
In a related development, Mr. Adolphus Bone Williams has made an initial contribution to assist local farmers in Maryland County. He presented agricultural tools and supplies to residents of Sedeken Town, including twenty pieces of cutlasses, rain boots, sets of rain gear, and twenty pieces of sharpening files.
Williams stated that the donation was prompted by the many challenges faced by local farmers in Sedeken Town. He pledged ongoing support to local producers to aid them in times of need. Williams is well-known in the county for his generosity. Recently, he donated L$250,000 to senior students taking the West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and provided sixteen sets of jerseys and footballs for the ongoing zonal league in the district.
The women’s group, chiefs, and youths of Sedeken Town expressed their gratitude for Williams’ generosity, noting that his contributions have made a significant impact on the community and that they will always remember his good deeds.
