Volta rice farmers cry out over post-harvest losses, seek gov’t help

Rice farmers in the Afadzato South District of the Volta Region are calling on the government to intervene urgently to prevent mounting post-harvest losses, warning that ongoing challenges are threatening their livelihoods and future production.

The farmers said they are yet to sell rice harvested last year, leaving many unable to repay loans or prepare adequately for the upcoming farming season.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, the spokesperson for the Afadzato South Farmers Association, Dickson Kodzo Addo, attributed the situation to the absence of processing facilities in the district, particularly a rice mill.

He said attempts to sell to the National Buffer Stock Company had failed because only processed rice is accepted.

“The lack of a processing facility such as a rice mill has rendered all harvest made fruitless,” he said.

Mr Addo noted that establishing a rice mill in the district would enable farmers to process paddy rice and supply it to second-cycle institutions, creating a ready market and improving their incomes.

“We have many schools in the district. If we are able to process our rice, we can supply to them, pay our loans, and take care of our families,” he added.

Farmers also cited the breakdown of the only privately owned rice mill serving the area as a major setback. Mr Samuel Wonaglo said the facility had been out of operation for weeks due to a faulty transformer, leaving farmers stranded.

He further pointed to the lack of storage infrastructure, explaining that many farmers are forced to keep bags of paddy rice in their homes due to the absence of warehouses.

Madam Afeti Peace Dela highlighted rising production costs, saying farmers spend between GH₵800 and GH₵1,000 per acre during harvesting because there are no government-supported centres to reduce costs.

She also called for a reduction in fertiliser prices rather than the distribution of limited free supplies, noting that farmers often have to purchase additional quantities to meet their needs.

Other farmers warned that the situation is discouraging young people from entering agriculture. Mr Peter Kornu said meaningful support for youth must include addressing the challenges facing existing farmers.

“The encouragement of local rice consumption is not feasible if producers continue to face these challenges,” he said, adding that he currently has over 100 bags of unsold paddy rice.

Edward Tyson Mensah said falling prices have worsened the situation, noting that a bag of paddy rice that sold for GH₵600 last year now goes for about GH₵280, with low demand.

He added that limited funds would force him to scale down production this year, cultivating only 10 acres compared to 20 acres last season.

The farmers are urging the government to invest in processing facilities, storage infrastructure, and affordable inputs to sustain local rice production and reduce dependence on imports.

Source: GNA