Minister Nuetah Urges Commitment for LIDA Maize Expansion

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Minister Nuetah Urges Commitment for LIDA Maize Expansion
Minister Nuetah Urges Commitment for LIDA Maize Expansion

Africa-Press – Liberia. A major agricultural milestone is taking shape in Fuamah District, Bong County as Liberia Development and Agriculture (LIDA) under the technical leadership of Managing Partner and Agricultural Engineer Christopher Bsaibes, accelerates one of the country’s largest maize cultivation initiatives in recent years.

Backed by the Ministry of Agriculture with funding support from STAR-P and RETRAP, the 100-hectare maize project is already demonstrating strong prospects for high-yield production, signaling renewed momentum for Liberia’s food security goals.

During a field inspection on Friday, November 28,2025, Agriculture Minister Dr. Alexander Nuetah lauded the transformative work by farmers and recognize the initiative being led by Bsaibes and the LIDA.

He emphasized that the government’s support to farmers is intended to promote self-sufficiency and increase income for rural communities.

“We want farmers to take ownership of these projects. The government will support them, but their seriousness and commitment remain key,” Minister Nuetah stated, while noting that the Fuamah project stands among the most promising in the country.

Bsaibes Leads a New Era of Modern Maize Farming

For farmers in Fuamah, the LIDA-led program has introduced a new level of professionalism, structure, and innovation into maize production.

Engineer Christopher Bsaibes, who is spearheading the initiative, launched the project with a rigorous training session in October 2025, guiding members of the Foima Farmers’ Cooperative through modern maize cultivation techniques, from seed selection and land preparation to irrigation, pest control, and post-harvest handling.

His approach represents a departure from traditional farming methods, resulting in healthier fields and uniform crop growth.

According to Bsaibes, the maize has achieved an appreciable level of its active growth stage, with harvesting expected in February 2026.

“This project is not just about growing maize, it is about empowering farmers, building capacity, and demonstrating that Liberia’s agricultural sector can compete at a commercial scale,” Bsaibes said.

“The farmers have embraced the new techniques, and the results are speaking for themselves.”

Guaranteed Market Access for Farmers

One of the biggest challenges facing rural farmers is uncertainty about where to sell their harvest. But Bsaibes has addressed this concern upfront for the maize production.

He has committed to purchasing the harvested maize directly from the farmers, ensuring a stable and reliable market.

The produce will supply his expanding poultry operation in Bomi County, where maize plays a critical role in the formulation of half a million chicken feed. This guaranteed off-take arrangement gives farmers confidence to increase production and reinvest in their farms.

Farmers Celebrate the Initiative

Local farmers say the project is one of the most impactful interventions the district has seen in years.

Joseph Moore, Chairman of the Fuamah District Multipurpose Agriculture Cooperative, expressed optimism about the expected yields and praised Bsaibes for bringing a practical, solution-driven model to the district.

“We are grateful for this opportunity. The training, the new farming approach, and the assurance that our maize will be bought after harvesting give us real hope,” Moore said.

“This project is a blessing to the people of Fuamah.”

A Model for National Agricultural Revitalization

As the project progresses, Fuamah is emerging as a model for how strategic partnerships, linking government, private sector actors, and community cooperatives, can rapidly accelerate agricultural development.

With LIDA’s leadership and Bsaibes’ hands-on technical guidance, farmers are experiencing higher productivity, increased knowledge, and greater economic prospects.

The Ministry of Agriculture has already identified Fuamah along with high-performing sites in Nimba and Lofa, as priority zones for expanded investments and mill construction to support year-round rice and maize processing.

For Engineer Christopher Bsaibes, the Fuamah initiative is just the beginning. His work reflects a broader vision, a Liberia where farmers are equipped with modern tools, backed by solid technical expertise, and connected to sustainable markets.

As the February 2026 expectation of harvest approaches, enthusiasm is growing, both among farmers eager to reap the benefits and among stakeholders who view the project as evidence that Liberia’s agricultural resurgence is well underway.

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