Liberia's agriculture minister says US$13.1 million budget falls far short
Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah says the proposed FY2027 allocation is US$55.9 million below the ministry's US$69 million request.
Liberia's Agriculture Minister, Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, has voiced dissatisfaction with the ministry's proposed US$13.1 million allocation in the Fiscal Year 2027 national budget. The sum is US$55.9 million short of the US$69 million the ministry requested to expand agricultural services, recruit technical staff and support farmers nationwide.
Speaking on Tuesday, November 10, at the Ministry of Information's press briefing in Monrovia, Nuetah said the allocation is less than one-quarter of the request. He warned that some planned activities may not happen, and said the ministry is considering cost-sharing, under which farmers would contribute toward fuel and operating costs for government-provided Chinese machinery. Running one earthmoving machine needs about 50 gallons of fuel a day, roughly US$345 at the quoted price.
The ministry asked for the money in October to address shortages of agricultural technicians. The proposed US$1.53 billion national budget was submitted to the Legislature on November 6 and remains under review, leaving room for changes before it is passed.
Why it mattersFarmers would pay part of the operating costs of government machinery under cost-sharing the ministry is considering.