Africa-Press – Liberia. The Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) has completed its first post-war swamp rice harvest near the EBK Barracks in Lower Margibi County.
Making the disclosure Thursday during a regular MICAT press briefing in Monrovia, Information Minister Jerolinmek M. Piah said the project follows the restoration of traditional battalions, including the Engineer Battalion and the Agriculture Battalion, on February 6, 2025.
He noted that the Agriculture Battalion was restored under the leadership of Major General Davidson Forleh, who ordered the planting and harvesting of rice before the end of the year.
“We have been working to make our armed forces a force for good. Most of the traditional battalions that existed before are being restored,” Minister Piah stated.
Piah further maintains that Captain Emmanuel Wesseh, who heads the project, has confirmed that the initial harvest was completed on schedule.
According to the minister, the three-month rice variety allows for up to four harvests annually.
Reading from a prepared text on the occasion, the minister further noted that on the occasion of the Harbert, Wesseh also acknowledged the contributions of community groups and agricultural partners, including the Community for Hope and Agriculture (CHAP), in supporting the initiative.
Further, he revealed that Robert Linpah, the regional director for CHAP, highlighted the project’s impact on both regional and national security, as well as its potential for collaboration with neighboring armies.
Minister Piah added that the project supports President Joseph Boakai’s agricultural agenda, with plans underway to replicate similar initiatives across all AFL barracks nationwide.
He said the rice harvest will help feed soldiers during training and that the AFL has called on the government and partners to provide the necessary equipment to sustain the agriculture battalion.
Meanwhile, the AFL has called on the government to convert the battalion into a company to expand the initiative across the country.
Meanwhile, the AFL has called on the government to convert the battalion into a company to allow the initiative to expand nationwide.
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