By Langston Joe Wilson, LINA Maryland County Correspondent
HARPER, March 17 (LINA) – In an effort to enhance food security and agricultural sustainability in Maryland County and its surrounding counties, the Dean of the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences at the William V. S. Tubman University Dr. Larry C. Hwang, has called on the Government of Liberia, local and international partners to assist the university in raising US$55,000.00.
Dr. Larry C. Hwang said the proposed funding is targeted towards expanding the production of rice, a staple food in Liberia to support the local market.
As part of the Ministry of Agriculture’s pilot project, he said Tubman University through its College of Agriculture is harvesting the first ever rice demonstration farm on more than four acres of land that is located near the school’s campus.
The ongoing harvest, Dr. Hwang noted, is the beginning of the institution’s plan to supply the local market in subsequent years.
“TU has about 500 acres of land in Barrobo Statutory District and another 500 acres in Grand Cavalla, a huge portion of which can be used for rice production,” he disclosed.
When the targeted amount is generated, he assured the public that Tubman University will lead a ‘rice production’ campaign in Maryland and other parts of the region to provide technical support, training and encourage farmers to venture in rice farming.
At the same time, the TU official envisioned the production of multiple tons of rice to reduce the percentage of imported rice, adding that despite being endowed with fertile land, the country struggles with meeting the rising demand for rice as majority of the citizens rely on imported rice, which can be costly and vulnerable to price fluctuations due to international market changes.
“The need for increased local production has become a pressing issue for both economic stability and food sovereignty,” Dr. Hwang emphasized.
The Dean highlighted that, with available funding, the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences can go beyond classroom level to provide innovative agricultural practices and research initiatives that will empower and encourage citizens’ involvement in rice production.
“We can offer improved irrigation techniques, and the training of local farmers in sustainable farming methods if funding is available,” the Tubman University official emphasized.
Dr. Hwang expressed belief that this will not only improve food access for local communities, but it would also create job opportunities and stimulate the local economy.
The Dean emphasized that empowering local farmers through education and resources could lead to community resilience and reduced reliance on imported rice.
“The college is looking for strategic partnerships that will provide funding as we’re in the position to provide the technical expertise,” he noted.
He extolled Dr. Olu Q. Menjay, the President of the Tubman University along with his administrative lieutenants for the level of support accorded his college and called on students and graduates of the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences to serve as ambassadors by leading the cause for agriculture.
