Monrovia-The Ministry of Agriculture has confirmed the arrival of the first batch of agricultural machinery at the Freeport of Monrovia, marking the start of a major government effort to expand mechanized farming across Liberia.
The machinery forms part of a total of 306 pieces of agricultural equipment being brought into the country to support farmers and improve agricultural production.
The first batch includes 24 tractor heads, eight semi-trailers, eight trucks and eight towing vehicles, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.
The Ministry said the remaining equipment will arrive in a second and final shipment comprising 42 containers, which is expected to reach Liberia by September 26.
The equipment will be distributed to 13 Agricultural Mechanization Service Centers in Nimba, Montserrado, Bomi, Margibi, Bong and Lofa Counties.
Through the centers, farmers are expected to access mechanized farming services at affordable rates, particularly for land preparation and other agricultural activities that traditionally require significant manual labor.
The Ministry said the program is also expected to help farmers cultivate larger areas of land and contribute to increased food production.
As part of the initiative, Chinese technicians are expected to arrive in Liberia in October to conduct 40 days of hands-on training for Liberian machinery operators and technicians.
The training will begin October 10 at the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) in Suakoko, Bong County.
Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah said the mechanization initiative is aimed at reducing manual labor, increasing land cultivation and boosting food production in Liberia.
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