CARI Distributes Rice to Field Workers for Christmas
SUAKOKO, Bong County – In a spirit of generosity and appreciation during the festive season, the management of the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) has distributed more than 100 bags of 25kg rice to its field workers.
The gesture underscores CARI’s commitment to supporting its workforce, particularly those who form the backbone of adaptive and applied agricultural research. Field workers, who make up over 50 percent of the institute’s general workforce, play a pivotal role in implementing the seven thematic programs, 14 specialized units, and numerous project activities that drive agricultural innovation across Liberia.
Disclosing on the eve of Christmas at the research station in Suakoko, Mrs. Abibatu T. Kromah, Administrator of CARI, expressed gratitude to the field workers for their dedication and resilience. She acknowledged the challenges the institute faces in producing foundation seeds for farmers nationwide but emphasized that the workers’ contributions remain vital to CARI’s mission.
“You are the neck that the head depends on to produce improved planting materials for local farmers across the country. I am grateful to present to you these few bags of rice for the holidays,” Mrs. Kromah stated.
She further encouraged the workforce to remain committed to their duties and continue striving to restore CARI’s reputation as a center of excellence in agricultural research and innovation.
In his further expression of gratitude, Dr. Arthur Bob Karnuah, Director General of the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI), extended heartfelt appreciation to the entire workforce for their dedication and resilience throughout the past year. He emphasized that the collective success of the institution rests on the shoulders of its committed staff, whose efforts continue to advance agricultural research and innovation in Liberia.
Dr. Karnuah encouraged the workforce to exhibit exceptional work habits and maintain a spirit of discipline, collaboration, and innovation. He noted that excellence in research and service delivery is not only a professional responsibility but also a national duty, as CARI’s work directly contributes to food security, sustainable agriculture, and economic growth.
“As we enter the New Year,” Dr. Karnuah stated, “it is our hope and determination that the seven thematic programs and 14 specialized units, along with their associated projects, will be strengthened to improve research outcomes, enhance productivity, and deliver practical solutions to the challenges facing our agricultural sector. These programs and units represent the backbone of our mission. Through them, we aim to generate knowledge, build capacity, and foster innovation that benefits farmers, communities, and the nation at large.”
He further underscored the importance of teamwork, urging staff to embrace a culture of accountability and creativity. “Our vision for the coming year is not simply to continue what we have started, but to elevate our standards, expand our impact, and ensure that CARI remains a beacon of agricultural excellence in Liberia and beyond.”
Dr. Karnuah concluded by reaffirming his confidence in the workforce, expressing optimism that with renewed energy and commitment, CARI will achieve greater milestones in research, extension, and innovation.
The rice distribution symbolizes appreciation for the tireless efforts of field workers who ensure research activities are implemented effectively. Providing food support during Christmas strengthens team spirit and motivates employees to continue contributing to national agricultural development and community outreach by supporting its workforce. CARI indirectly enhances the livelihoods of farming communities that depend on the institute’s research outputs, especially improved planting materials.
CARI’s leadership reaffirmed its commitment to expanding support for field workers through welfare initiatives, strengthening research programs to meet the growing demand for foundation seeds, and positioning the institute once again as a hub of agricultural excellence in Liberia.
