MONROVIA, November 12, 2026 – Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah has expressed dissatisfaction with the ministry’s proposed US$13.1 million allocation in the Fiscal Year 2027 national budget, warning that inadequate funding could undermine the implementation of key agricultural programs across Liberia.
The allocation falls US$55.9 million short of the US$69 million requested by the ministry to expand agricultural services, recruit technical personnel, and strengthen support to farmers nationwide.
Speaking Tuesday, November 10, at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing in Monrovia, Minister Nuetah said the proposed allocation represents less than one-quarter of the ministry’s request.
“It is not okay to request US$69 million and get US$13.1 million,” he said, expressing concern over the ministry’s ability to implement its planned activities.
“This means the ministry will not be able to achieve all of what it plans to implement. Some of the things that we plan to do, we might not do,” he warned.
The minister explained that the funding shortfall could force the ministry to scale back several planned interventions, including the deployment of agricultural machinery provided by the Chinese government to support farmers.
According to him, the ministry is considering introducing cost-sharing arrangements under which farmers would contribute toward operating expenses for agricultural equipment.
He said operating heavy machinery, including earthmoving equipment used for farmland preparation, requires substantial resources for fuel, maintenance, and personnel.
“If you go to do the work, run the yellow machine to clear the land, you need fuel first of all. You need 50 gallons a day. So, if you multiply 50 by US$6.90, you know the price for one day,” Nuetah explained.
At the quoted fuel price, operating one machine would cost approximately US$345 daily for fuel alone, excluding maintenance and operators’ wages.
The minister maintained that without adequate operational funding, the ministry would struggle to provide machinery services to farmers at no cost.
He indicated that requiring farmers to contribute toward equipment operating expenses could help sustain agricultural services despite the budgetary constraints.
The Ministry of Agriculture had requested US$69 million in October to address shortages of agricultural technicians and expand support to farming communities.
The proposed US$1.53 billion national budget for FY2027, submitted to the Legislature on November 6, remains under legislative review, leaving room for possible adjustments before its passage.
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