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“Local Palm Farmer Demands Government Action for Agricultural Revival in Maryland County”

Palm

By Joseph T. Weah, Nimba D-9 TV, Maryland County Reporter

Maryland County, Liberia: – Tomaul Y. Hoto, a leading palm farm owner in Pleebo Sodoken District, has called on the Joseph Nyuma Boakai administration to urgently support local farmers in Maryland County. Speaking to reporters on September 5, 2024, Hoto voiced his frustration over the inadequate government support for the region’s palm farmers.

Hoto emphasized that Maryland’s palm farming sector has long been overlooked and urgently needs financial aid, fertilizers for both palm and cocoa farms, and essential farming equipment. He noted that despite having ample land, limited resources are stifling agricultural productivity.

The local farmer revealed he needs government assistance to pay the salaries of over 50 workers on his palm plantation. Additionally, Hoto is now part of a cooperative under the Maryland Oil Palm Farmers Union and has been advised to open a bank account to access government grants through its partners.

A major challenge Hoto cited is the lack of transportation for crops during harvest season. This issue has placed a significant financial burden on farmers, especially with difficulties in transporting produce to markets, including Ivory Coast. He also mentioned that seasonal flooding of the Cavalla River further complicates transport.

Hoto also recalled issues from the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf presidency, where numerous complaints about the Maryland Oil Palm Plantation’s lack of support for local farmers were made. Improvements were only seen after Sirleaf intervened.

In response, Mr. Flomo P. Shorr, Acting Agriculture Coordinator and Focus Person for the Smallholder Agriculture Transformation Agri-business and Refertilization Project assured that the government is working on addressing these agricultural challenges. Shorr highlighted a $48 million project sponsored by the World Bank and International Fund for Agricultural Development, aimed at boosting agriculture in nine counties, including Maryland. This project, initiated by the previous administration, will focus on palm and rice farms, as well as vegetable cultivation over the next five years.

Shorr acknowledged the ongoing government transition but assured that efforts to address agricultural sector issues will continue.

Stay tuned to Nimba D-9 Online TV for the latest updates.

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