Foya District, Lofa County—In the heart of Sorlumba Township, Makona River Farm Agriculture Services (MARIFASS) is making remarkable strides in transforming the agricultural landscape.
By: G. Watson Richards, contributing writer
MARIFASS, a grantee of the World Bank Start-P Project through the Ministry of Agriculture, is leading the way in local agricultural innovation. With an impressive yield of 450 metric tons of rice and the cultivation of over 1,000 hectares of fertile land, MARIFASS stands as a beacon of hope and progress for the local community.
“The farm’s output of 450 metric tons of rice is a testament to the diligent efforts of the MARIFASS team and the rich agricultural potential of Sorlumba Township,” said Saah Bundoo, the farm manager.
This achievement not only boosts local food security but also contributes to the broader goal of sustaining Liberia’s agricultural economy.
Spanning over 1,000 hectares, the farm’s expansive operations underline its commitment to maximizing land use. Such a vast cultivation area reflects the strategic planning and hard work that go into managing and optimizing agricultural resources in the region.
Facing Challenges with Resilience
However, the journey of MARIFASS has not been without its hurdles. The farm grapples with several challenges that threaten to hinder its progress. Chief among these are the issues of machinery, funding, marketing, and warehousing.
“Modern agricultural machinery is crucial for increasing efficiency and productivity. MARIFASS currently faces a shortage of advanced equipment, which limits our ability to further scale operations and improve yield quality. Acquiring state-of-the-art machinery is essential for the farm to maintain its upward trajectory,” Bundoo explained.
Bundoo further noted that securing adequate funding remains a significant challenge. Financial resources are needed not only for the purchase of machinery but also for the overall expansion of the farm’s activities. “We are actively seeking investment and support from both governmental and non-governmental entities to ensure sustainable growth.
“Thanks to the government of Liberia through the World Bank Start-P Project for providing us a grant to expand our production and activities,” Bundoo narrated.
Marketing Strategies and Challenges
Effective marketing is vital for reaching broader markets and ensuring that the farm’s produce is sold at competitive prices. According to Bundoo, they are working on developing robust marketing strategies to promote our rice and other agricultural products, aiming to create a stronger presence both locally and beyond.
Warehousing Solutions
Proper warehousing facilities are critical for storing harvested crops and protecting them from spoilage. MARIFASS currently requires improved warehousing solutions to maintain the quality and longevity of its produce. “Investment in modern storage facilities will help safeguard the farm’s hard-earned yields,” Bundoo emphasized.
Vision for the Future
Despite these challenges, the spirit of innovation and resilience at MARIFASS remains unwavering. “Our success in cultivating 450 metric tons of rice on over 1,000 hectares of land is just the beginning. With the right support and resources, we envision a future where Sorlumba Township becomes a model for agricultural excellence in Liberia,” Bundoo said.
The community’s dedication to overcoming obstacles and driving agricultural development serves as an inspiration. MARIFASS is the largest rice producing company in Lofa County, if not the entire country. It stands ready to lead the charge in creating a prosperous and sustainable agricultural sector, fostering economic growth, and enhancing food security in Lofa County and beyond.
