CESTOS, River Cess – The local agricultural office in River Cess has begun production of 25 kg bags of locally produced rice for sale in the county.

Agricultural Coordinator Nora Kamokai told The Bush Chicken she has been working with local farmers in the county for the success of the project.

“I bought the seed rice from the farmers themselves and I transported it to Gbarnga, Central Liberia for milling because we do not have milling machines here,” Kamokai said. “This is just the first try, but I think the farmers are encouraged by just seeing their own [locally grown] rice milled and sold to them. They are encouraged.”

The rice is sold for L$1,500 (US$14.28), as compared to imported rice that is sold for L$1,950 (US$18.57), which consumers must buy in either Buchanan or Monrovia.

Kamokai said she will include more farmers in the near future to be able to produce more bags in the second phase.

“I just did 50 bags, but what I will do since I have my own farm, I will include more farmers so that we can have enough to supply the entire county,” Kamokai said. “I just need support from the government and even the farmers themselves in order to get the project going.”

Featured photo by Eric Opa Doue