The farmers are being introduced to brand new irrigation and planting technologies aimed at increasing the number of times crops are grown, expanding types of crops that can be cultivated, and growing more high-yielding crops.
The irrigation technology, called treadle pump, is being introduced by the Government of Liberia (GoL) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and can be produced and repaired locally by skilled blacksmiths.
A treadle pump is a human-powered pump (pressed up and down by the feet in a bicycle peddling fashion) designed to lift water from the depth of seven meters or less. Unlike mechanized irrigation (watering) pump, treadle pump does not require gasoline; it is driven by the operator’s weight and leg muscles.
Compared with bucket or watering can irrigation, the treadle pump can be useful in greatly increasing crop growth, quality, and income of farmers.
The other technology, jab planter, is an easy-planting (hand planter) tool for various kinds of seeds such as “corn, beans, squash, pumpkins, melons, cucumbers, and sunflowers on open ground...” according to FAO. Jab planters can also be produced and repaired by skillful Liberian blacksmiths.
GoL and FAO are currently testing the pump and jab planter, tutoring farmers in maintenance and operation methods. Speaking to farmers in Johnsonville during the demonstration of the tools recently, Deputy Agriculture Minister for Technical Services Dr. Sizi Z. Subah stressed the relevance of the treadle pump and jab planter, describing them as “appropriate technologies for our farmers.”. She said, “We are introducing this super mechanism to reduce watering labor time. The jab planter allows farmers to plant two types of seeds at the same time. The interesting thing is that these are technologies that we can produce and repair right here through our blacksmiths. They do not require gas.”
Assistant Agriculture Minister for Extension and Research, Paul Jallah, admonished the farmers to adopt the essential tools, properly apply them, and contribute to Liberia’s drive towards food security. He said proper utilization of the tools would boost food production among smallholder farmers.
Meanwhile, FAO’s Rural Infrastructure Officer within the Agricultural Machinery and Infrastructure Unit (AMI), Dr. Muhammad Akhtar Bhatti, who supervised the demonstration process, underscored FAO’s strong desire and commitment to assist farmers grow more crops with ease utilizing appropriate, affordable technologies. “This is the beginning and you try it and use it well. Five pumps are available right now in Liberia for the farmers. In three months, more will be available. The Mamadee Konneh United blacksmiths and Moonlight Metal Works and Garage in Bong County have been trained to fabricate the tools.” He said the pump has proved to be invaluable all around the world including African and Asian countries and Liberia was no different.
Ethel R. Wilson, Focal person of the Johnsonville Women Agriculture Project, expressed enthusiasm and profound gratitude for the improved implements. “We are very grateful. This will really help us women grow more food especially vegetables. This pump does not require gasoline and it is easier to use and pump water all around using watering can – story by John T. Monibah, Communications Officer, FAO.
