08/01/2025
RCVPPUL Launches New Rice Variety “Living Manna” in Gbarnga, B**g County
By: Henry Y Logan.
The Rice, Cassava, and Vegetables Producers and Processors Union of Liberia (RCVPPUL) has officially launched a new variety of rice known as “Living Manna” in Gbarnga, B**g County.
The launch ceremony, which was held on Friday August1,2025, brought together farmers, agricultural stakeholders, government officials, and development partners.
The initiative is being supported by the International Fund for
Agricultural Development (IFAD) through the Ministry of Agriculture and was initiated by RCVPPUL Cooperative Group in the county. The ceremony was held at the compound of the Christ Vision International Ministries in the Sugar Hill Community Gbarnga City B**g County.
Giving an overview of the project Pastor James Paye, Executive Director and Founder of Christ Vision International Ministries, described the “Living Manna” rice as a significant step toward promoting food self-sufficiency in Liberia.
He emphasized that the project is part of a broader effort to empower local farmers and reduce Liberia’s dependence on imported rice.
Also Serving as the chief launcher of the program, former Vice President of Liberia, Dr. Jewel Howard-Taylor, lauded the initiative and called on the Liberian government to prioritize local farmers across the country. She stressed that increasing support for domestic agriculture will not only improve food production but also enhance livelihoods in rural communities.
The former Vice President noted that Liberian cannot continue to import what they can grow, but government must invest in farmers, and provide access to seeds, tools, and market opportunities if they want to achieving food security.
The launch of the Living Manna rice is expected to improve rice yields, promote agricultural innovation, and serve as a model for community-led agricultural development in Liberia.
The ceremony ended with a symbolic presentation of the rice variety to citizens of Gbarnga, marking a new chapter in B**g County’s agricultural journey.