By Kizito CUDJOE

The president of the Ghana Rice Inter Professional Body (GRIB), Nana Adjei Ayeh, has urged Ghanaians to prioritize the consumption of locally produced rice as a critical step toward strengthening domestic farmers, reducing unemployment, and enhancing economic stability.

Speaking after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between GRIB and agro-input supplier Calli Ghana, Nana Adjei Ayeh emphasized that the patronage of local rice, especially during the festive season, is critical for empowering producers to meet growing demand and compete with imported brands.

“The patronage of Ghanaian rice can create more jobs, reduce reliance on imports, and position our farmers to compete on a global scale. Together, we can build a resilient and thriving rice sector for the future,” he said.

Despite its importance as a staple food, Ghana’s rice industry faces significant challenges, including outdated farming techniques, limited access to quality seeds, insufficient irrigation systems, and low productivity.

These issues have contributed to a reliance on imported rice, which meets nearly 50 percent of national demand and drains foreign exchange reserves.

“The reliance on imported products, including basic food items like rice, is one of the reasons for the cedi’s depreciation against major currencies,” Nana Adjei Ayeh said.

The GRIB leader highlighted the strides made by the local rice industry, including the availability of quality seeds, advanced processing machinery, and well-cultivated fields.

However, he acknowledged that further investments in private sector support and government intervention are necessary to make Ghana’s rice industry globally competitive.

“We are looking at creating more employment avenues for our youth so they don’t end up hawking on the streets,” he said. “Investing in Ghanaian rice production not only supports job creation but also strengthens the economy.”

While some stakeholders have called for a ban on imported rice, Nana Adjei Ayeh acknowledged that local producers are not yet fully equipped to meet national demand.

However, he believes that with the right investments, including small-scale irrigation systems, Ghana’s rice farmers can rise to the challenge.

The new partnership between GRIB and Calli Ghana aims to address some of these challenges by improving access to essential farming inputs. Under the agreement, Calli Ghana will supply rice farmers with improved hybrid seeds, agrochemicals, and technical support to enhance productivity.

“This partnership will enable farmers, especially members of GRIB, to improve their yields and contribute to reducing rice imports,” Nana Adjei Ayeh noted.

Mr. Bernard Okutu, a representative of Calli Ghana, emphasized the need for strategic agricultural modernization to bridge the gap between rice demand and supply.

“Through modern farming practices, advanced technology, and training programs, we can increase productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance the efficiency of the rice supply chain,” he said.

Okutu pointed out that empowering farmers with the necessary skills and tools is crucial for transforming the rice sector into a self-sufficient and thriving industry.

“The path to reducing rice insufficiency in Ghana lies in our commitment to agricultural modernization. By embracing improved hybrid seeds, adopting sustainable practices, and empowering our farmers, we can build a self-sufficient rice industry that meets national demand and drives economic growth,” he said.

Published Date: November 27, 2024