BONG COUNTY, LIBERIA-Private and commercial farmers have been urged to collective work together to ensure sustainability in the rice and fish farming sectors.

Agriculture Minister Jeanine Cooper said sustaining both rice and fish farming will enhance the fight against hunger and food insecurity in the Country.

Launching the Africa Rice De-SIRA project in Bong County, Minster Cooper said:” Liberia is a low income country, where hunger and food insecurity still remain challenges that need swift intervention.”

She stressed the need for integrated and mechanized rice and fish farming in Liberia to ensure efficient yields of the products for farmers, to sustain themselves and provide for their families.

Minister Cooper committed the Agriculture Ministry to continued collaboration with Africa Rice in developing the fish and rice farming and other projects, in the interest of the people.

Meanwhile, Africa Rice Executive Director, Dr. Inoussa Akintayo, disclosed that millions of impoverished Africans and particularly Liberians depend on fish and rice farming.

Dr. Akintayo said:” Despite fish and rice farming being sole trade for many, yields from these activities are extremely low to sustain the farmers and their families.”