By CARI Staff Writer

SUAKOKO, LIBERIA - Two exotic rice varieties have been identified as the highest-performing of the KAFACI rice trials and multiplication that are ongoing at the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI). The KAFACI-3, with a grain weight of 716.73 grams, and GHA-GA/APA, another with 714.20 grams, are the highest-performing rice varieties, according to the data obtained by agricultural researchers. 

The Observatory Yield Trials (OYT) of rice are a crucial step towards achieving food security, economic stability, and sustainable agricultural development in Liberia. These trials also buoy up adaptation and resilience and support local farmers by providing them with high-yielding, disease-resistant rice varieties that can improve their productivity and livelihoods.

Sourced from Kenya, Asia, and other global regions, these foundation seeds, which were introduced to Liberia in October 2024 by the Minister of Agriculture J. Alexander Nuetah, these 20 varieties have for the last four months, underwent disease screening, adaptation trials, and multiplication assessments at CARI, to determine their suitability for large-scale cultivation.

The introduction of these top-performing rice varieties marks a major milestone in Liberia’s efforts to enhance food security and modernize its agricultural sector. 

In collaboration with local and international partners, CARI is working with the Ministry of Agriculture to focus on multiplying and distributing these high-yield rice seeds to farmers nationwide.

Presenting data initially obtained from the study to the CARI Board of Directors, Dr. James S. Dolo, the Lead Scientist on the trail, described the research findings as a significant breakthrough, stressing the need for Liberia to adopt high-yield, early-maturing rice varieties to improve productivity and ensure food security. "Rice is our staple food, and we must prioritize its production. We need rice varieties that are high-yielding and early-maturing. We cannot continue with varieties that produce only one to two tons per hectare and expect to be food secure. 

“Our goal is to find rice that delivers higher yields on smaller plots, maximizing production efficiency,” Dr. Dolo, head of the Crops Program at CARI, emphasized.

During the scientific data presentation, Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah praised CARI’s research team for their dedication to agricultural research, emphasizing that Liberia must take charge of its food security efforts.

"I am happy today to see our scientists at CARI actively engaged in research. Liberia must take full responsibility for developing its agricultural sector. The era of dependence on others to do it for us is over. While partnerships are important, they should not replace our duty as a nation to drive agricultural research and development," he stated.

As part of the event, a comprehensive food quality evaluation was conducted to assess the suitability of the new rice varieties for consumption. This process ensured that the selected high-yielding rice strains met consumer expectations for taste, texture, aroma, and cooking quality. High-profile individuals, including CARI’s Board members, local stakeholders, and smallholder farmers, sampled the cooked rice to evaluate its palatability.

Dr. Nuetah lauded CARI for the initiative and expressed optimism that scientists at CARI are actively engaged in research. “Liberia must take full responsibility for its agricultural sector. The time for depending on others is over.”

The Agriculture Minister, who is also the Chairman of CARI’s Board Advisors, stated that the body and the Government of Liberia are committed to supporting CARI. “I am committed to supporting CARI, and we will do all we can to ensure that CARI regains its status because the research that develops agriculture should be in the hands of Liberians. So, we take it very seriously and will do what we can.”

He assured that the Board of Directors has scheduled a meeting to make decisions on how it can solidify support for CARI and ensure that projects at CARI are in the interest of the research institute and its benefits.