We Can Feed Ghana: Asutuare Rice Farmers Appeal For Support To Boost Rice Output

By Rebecca Lartey

The Osudoku Agriculture Co-operative Society, made up mainly of local rice farmers at Asutuare, is appealing to the government to provide the needed support to help boost rice production in the area.

According to the group, rice farmers in Asutuare are constrained by the lack of critical resources such as funding, warehouses, harvesters, dryers, and other essential equipment necessary for large-scale production.

They lamented that individuals who rent out these facilities often exploit them, charging exorbitant rates — a situation they are compelled to endure due to lack of alternatives.

Former President of the Osudoku Agriculture Co-operative Society, Sampson Tettey Ekpa, say that rice farmers in Asutuare have the capacity to meet Ghana’s rice demand if given the right support. He added that with adequate support, they can significantly reduce Ghana’s dependence on imported rice

The Secretary of the Co-operative Society, Simon Adzah, also expressed concern about the lack of a ready market for their produce.

He explained that because some market women provide them with financial assistance during production, they end up dictating the prices at which the farmers should sell their rice, a practice that leaves farmers with little to no profit. He said if government intervenes, these issues can be resolved.

Some women working on the rice fields also shared similar concerns, emphasizing the need for government and private sector support to enhance local rice production and improve their livelihoods.