Introduction: Ghana, like many other countries, faces the challenge of meeting its rice consumption needs through imports. However, the nation’s climate and abundant rice production valleys present a great opportunity to improve rice productivity and reduce reliance on imports. On the regular Diamond Agric Dialogue radio show held on June 13, renowned rice experts, Dr. Shaibu Azumah and Dr. Zakaria Issahaku, shared valuable insights on how Ghana can enhance its rice production capacity and become self-sufficient in this essential staple crop.
The Current State of Rice Production:
In 2022, Ghana consumed a staggering 1.4 million metric tons of rice, of which 800,000 metric tons were imported at a cost of $560 million. This overreliance on imports is not acceptable, given Ghana’s favorable climate and natural resources for rice cultivation. Presently, local farmers in Ghana yield only 2.9 metric tons per hectare, significantly lower than the international average of 6.7 metric tons per hectare. This disparity is largely attributed to poor policy design, implementation, and leadership within the rice sector.
Challenges in Policy Implementation:
Dr. Azumah and Dr. Issahaku highlighted the lack of effective policy implementation as a key factor contributing to Ghana’s low rice productivity. They expressed concerns about proposed partnerships between the government and district assemblies to support rice production. According to the experts, district assemblies, primarily responsible for policy regulation, do not possess the necessary expertise or resources for direct involvement in rice production. Diverting limited resources towards such partnerships may hinder the assemblies’ ability to address pressing local issues effectively.
Strategies to Improve Rice Productivity:
To overcome the challenges and unlock Ghana’s rice production potential, the experts proposed the following strategies:
Research and Development: Allocate adequate resources to research and development in the rice sector. This includes investments in developing improved rice varieties, sustainable farming practices, and innovative technologies that optimize productivity.
Farmer Training and Capacity Building: Establish comprehensive training programs to enhance farmers’ knowledge and skills in modern rice farming techniques. Emphasize the importance of good agricultural practices, efficient water management, pest control, and post-harvest handling to maximize yields and minimize losses.
Access to Finance and Inputs: Facilitate access to affordable credit and agricultural inputs such as high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and machinery for rice farmers. Financial institutions and government agencies should collaborate to provide tailored financial services to the rice farming community.
Irrigation Infrastructure Development: Invest in irrigation infrastructure to ensure reliable water supply for rice cultivation. Promote the construction and maintenance of dams, canals, and irrigation schemes in rice-growing areas to mitigate the impacts of erratic rainfall patterns.
Market Linkages and Value Addition: Strengthen linkages between rice farmers, processors, and markets. Encourage the establishment of rice processing facilities, facilitate access to modern milling technologies, and promote value addition through branding and packaging. This will enhance the market value of locally produced rice and create opportunities for both domestic consumption and export.
Conclusion:
Ghana has the potential to become self-sufficient in rice production and reduce its dependence on imports. The dialogue between Dr. Shaibu Azumah and Dr. Zakaria Issahaku underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to improving rice productivity in the country.
By addressing policy implementation challenges, investing in research and development, providing training and support to farmers, and strengthening market linkages, Ghana can unlock its agricultural potential and secure food sovereignty. It is time to prioritize the development of Ghana’s rice sector and pave the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future.
By: Dr. Zakaria Issahaku
