Local rice farmers in the Adansi South District are urging the government to promote the use of locally-produced rice in school feeding programs at both the basic and senior high school levels. They believe that this measure would not only alleviate marketing challenges but also reduce post-harvest losses currently plaguing their industry.
With over 22,500 metric tonnes of paddy rice stockpiled at various rice mill factories in the district awaiting buyers, farmers like Mr Francis Bartsa Tetteh, a renowned rice farmer and recipient of the 2016 national best rice farmer award, are sounding the alarm. Mr Tetteh emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue to prevent severe repercussions for farmers, noting that the lack of marketing avenues is discouraging youth participation in farming activities.
Adansi South District, known for its significant rice production, faces infrastructure deficiencies in processing, storing, and marketing rice, exacerbating challenges for farmers. Mr. Tetteh, who also owns Victory Foods Rice Mill in Adansi Atobiase, highlighted the paradox of abundant local rice supply coupled with limited demand, despite its competitive pricing.
To address this imbalance, Mr Tetteh urged the government to deter rice importation and incentivize the consumption of locally produced rice. He suggested that institutions like the school feeding secretariat and the Free Senior High School secretariat could play a pivotal role by mandating food suppliers to procure only local rice. Such a directive, he argued, would boost farmers' confidence, stimulate production, and enhance their livelihoods.
Supporting this plea, Mr. Alfred David Mensah, the Adansi South District Director of Food and Agriculture, emphasized the longstanding marketing challenges confronting local rice producers. He called on hotels, restaurants, and other food establishments to prioritize local rice in their procurement policies, underscoring the advancements in production processes, packaging, and storage of locally produced rice.
Mr. Mensah reassured that the Ministry of Food and Agriculture is actively working to promote local rice consumption and reduce reliance on imported rice. By positioning local rice more prominently in the Ghanaian market, the ministry aims to bolster the local rice industry while curbing rice imports, thereby fostering economic growth and food security.