By Jamesetta D. Williams
MONROVIA-The Government of Liberia announced it has begun distributing a second batch of 200,000 cayenne pepper seeds to farmers across the country as part of efforts to increase agricultural production, improve farmers’ incomes, and position Liberia as an exporter of high-value agricultural products.
Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah made the disclosure Tuesday, saying the seed distribution is being carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture under the Smallholder Agriculture Transformation and Agribusiness Revitalization Project (STAR-P) with support from the ministry.
The latest distribution follows an earlier allocation of 400,000 cayenne pepper seeds in May, bringing the total number of seeds distributed this year to 600,000.
Minister Piah said each participating farmer will receive 500 seeds to support commercial pepper cultivation as part of the Government’s broader strategy to promote agriculture as a driver of economic growth and job creation.
He explained that the initiative is intended to increase household incomes, develop cayenne pepper into a high-value cash crop, and strengthen Liberia’s participation in regional and international agricultural markets.
According to the Minister, the program is already generating international interest, with potential buyers in Türkiye and China expressing interest in purchasing Liberian-grown cayenne pepper once production reaches commercial levels.
The Government believes the initiative will create new market opportunities for Liberian farmers while supporting efforts to diversify the country’s agricultural exports and reduce dependence on traditional commodities.
The Ministry says the pepper production program forms part of its broader agenda to transform Liberia’s agriculture sector through increased productivity, value addition, and stronger market linkages for smallholder farmers.
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