Sefwi-Tanoso(W/N) Oct. 5, GNA – Members of the Aduko Rice Farmers Association at Sefwi-Tanoso in the Waiwso Municipality have appealed to the government through the One-District -One Factory Secretariat to set up a rice processing factory to boost rice production in the Region.
According to them, majority of the population especially the youth were into rice farming and the establishment of the factory would create a ready market for their produce.
Speaking at an identification of community challenges forum organized by the leadership of Concern Farmers Association, Mr David Addea, President of Aduko Rice Farmers Association said, more than 95 percent of the people were into rice farming.
He said though they produced a lot of rice, they were not earning much from its sale because they were usually cheated by prospective buyers as the buyers decided how much they would buy the rice.
“We have no option than to sell at a cheaper price since we do not have a ready market for it.
He gave the assurance that the rice processing factory would not lack raw material since the farmers would be selling their rice to the factory for processing.
Mr Addea appealed to the government to reconstruct an irrigation dam which was shoddily constructed in 2016.
He commended the government and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture for supporting them with rice seedlings and fertilizer.
He called on the government and other corporate Institutions to assist them with power tiller machines and combined harvesters to produce in large quantities for export.
For his part, Nana Oboadie Opambour Boateng Bonsu, President of Concern Farmers Association of Ghana commended the farmers for coming together to form an association and called on other farmers to emulate since that was the only way they could get assistance from the government.
He appealed to Ghanaians especially the youth to take advantage of the government’s numerous policies especially the Planting for Food and Jobs programme to improve on their livelihood and promote the development of the country.
Nana Bonsu expressed gratitude to President Akufo-Addo for championing the eat Ghana Rice campaign, which according to him had increased the demand and consumption of local rice.
He assured the members that the association would discuss with relevant stakeholders on how best to support them and other recognized farmer groups in the area.
GNA