By: G Bennie Bravo Johnson I
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on June 13, 2024, commissioned the Rice Committee, in a bid to ensure a stable supply of rice in Liberia.
The committee established a few weeks prior, has been tasked with developing policies to guarantee a consistent flow of rice within the country and promoting Liberian involvement in the importation and distribution of rice nationwide.
The responsibilities of the committee are extensive and crucial for the rice industry in Liberia. They will be in charge of creating policies that focus on monitoring and analyzing data related to rice, such as exports from rice-producing countries, importing and consuming countries, rice grades and quality, pricing structures, and more. Additionally, the committee will work on reactivating and managing the Rice Stabilization Fund effectively, as well as developing strategies to boost local rice production and encourage local consumption.
The Rice Committee is comprised of fifteen members, including representatives from both government and non-government entities, as well as three individuals. This diverse group of experts will work together to ensure the success of the rice industry in Liberia and contribute to food security in the country.
Madam Tenaky Toure Kaba, Mr. David K. Vinton, and Ambassador Charles A. Minor, the Chair were selected to spare-head the committee. The twelve entity members include the Ministries of Agriculture, Commerce and Industry, Finance and Development Planning, the Ministry of State for
Presidential Affairs.
Other entities on the Committee include the National Port Authority, the Liberia Bankers Association, the National Civil Society Council of Liberia, the National Transport Union of Liberia, the Liberia Business Association, the Liberia Marketing Association, the Rural Women Organization of Liberia, and one private business entity and the Fauta Corporation.
Speaking at the commissioning process held at the Executive Mansion in Monrovia, the President has encouraged the committee members to give their fullest attention to what he described as a national embarrassment.
“I charge you with the responsibility of ensuring that we have this precious commodity of us on the market,” the President said.
The Liberian leader urged the committee to make sure that the country’s stable food is available and ensure that the market is kept supreme with support from the bankers and to make sure that the country doesn’t experience another race riot.
President Boakai also told the committee including miniseries that are on the committee to work together in the interest of the country.
For his part, the committee, Ambassador Charles A. Minor said the committee will be committed to keeping the public informed of what is happening in the domestic and foreign markets and try to ease the fears of consumers as to the availability of rice in the period ahead.
Amb. Minor also narrated that the committee will support the free market economy and at the same time work with those already in the trade; the importers, distributors, and retailers, not to crowd out others but to make room for Liberian businesses to also participate in the over US$200,000 annual trade, the second largest commodity being trade in Liberia.
The Chairperson of the committee stated that his colleagues will not only devote all their time to the Commercial prong of the President’s mandate but will focus on the second prong with vigor.
He added that the committee will target strategies that will help people to substitute imported rice with local products, rice, and others; saying that it will be of prominent concern and will attract concerted efforts.
Amb. Minor used the occasion to call for patience, understanding, and support as the committee ventured into the assignment given to them by the President.
