GBARNGA –The Founder and Executive Director of Meni-Nina Farmers Inc., Michael Pewu, has accused the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) of failing to honor its commitment under the Emergency Rice Production Offensive (ERPO) project, a World Bank-funded initiative aimed at boosting rice production in Liberia.
By Selma Lomax [email protected]
According to Pewu, the Ministry agreed to release funds for different stages of rice production — 50% for land preparation, 30% for rice growing, and the remaining 20% for post-harvest activities.
While the Ministry paid the 50% for land preparation, Pewu alleges that the 30% for rice growing has not been released, leaving his organization owing several farmers involved in the project.
Meni-Nina Farmers Inc. was tasked with preparing 30 hectares of lowland rice farms as part of the ERPO initiative, with a total project covering 80 hectares.
After successfully meeting the Ministry’s land preparation target by clearing 21.5 hectares, Pewu expected the second-phase payment for rice growing.
However, no additional funds have been received to date, leaving the project in limbo.
Pewu, who is now harvesting the rice, confirmed that he received some supplies for the process but is still awaiting the remaining funds. Despite the agreement’s legal provisions, Pewu has vowed not to pursue legal action, instead using his own resources to continue the project.
The Ministry, however, dismissed Pewu’s claims. Moses Gbanyan, Deputy Minister for Extension and Research at the Ministry of Agriculture, called Pewu’s accusations “false and misleading.” Gbanyan alleged that Meni-Nina Farmers Inc. failed to meet the first phase targets and accused Pewu of political motivations, citing his opposition to the Unity Party during the 2023 elections.
Gbanyan also claimed that Pewu’s organization operates more as a one-man business than a 8legitimate farmers’ cooperative, alleging misuse of grants and funds intended for local farmers.
