Published: September 6, 2024
PLEEBO, Maryland County — Tomaul Y. Hoto, a prominent palm farm owner in Pleebo, Sodoken District, has urged the Joseph Nyuma Boakai administration to address the needs of local farmers in Maryland County. Speaking to reporters on September 5, 2024, Mr. Hoto expressed frustration over the lack of government support for palm farmers in the region.
By Moses J. Dawoe, Maryland Correspondent
Hoto highlighted that Maryland’s palm farmers have long been neglected and is calling for critical assistance, including financial aid, fertilizers for both palm and cocoa farms, as well as essential equipment for farm operations. He noted that despite available land, limited resources are hampering agricultural productivity.
The local farmer revealed that he requires government assistance to cover the salaries of over 50 staff members who maintain his palm plantation. Additionally, Hoto said he has joined a cooperative, which is part of the Maryland Oil Palm Farmers Union, and has been advised to open a bank account to qualify for government grants through its implementing partners.
One major challenge he cited is the lack of transportation for crops during the harvest season. This issue has caused significant financial strain, with farmers facing difficulties in transporting their produce to markets, particularly to Ivory Coast. Mr. Hoto pointed out that the overflow of the Cavalla River often prevents vehicles from crossing, exacerbating the problem.
Mr. Hoto also recounted past issues dating back to the presidency of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who received numerous complaints about the Maryland Oil Palm Plantation’s failure to support local farmers through an outgrowers program. The situation reportedly improved only after Sirleaf’s intervention.
In response to these concerns, Mr. Flomo P. Shorr, Acting Agriculture Coordinator and Focus Person for the Smallholder Agriculture Transformation Agri-business and Refertilization Project, assured that the government is addressing agricultural sector challenges. Shorr mentioned a World Bank and International Fund for Agricultural Development-sponsored project worth $48 million, intended to support agriculture in nine counties, including Maryland. The project, received by the previous government, will focus on palm and rice farms, as well as vegetable cultivation, over a five-year period.
Mr. Shorr acknowledged the ongoing government transition but affirmed that efforts will be made to address the sector’s challenges.
Discussion about this post