Deputy Agric Minister Optimistic of Reduction in Rice Import with PFJ 2.0

The Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture in charge of Crops, Honourable Frimpong Addo has hinted that the implementation of phase 2 of the Planting for Food and Jobs(PFJ 2.0) will upscale rice production in the country. 

The move, according to him is carefully planned to be tailored towards reducing rice import into the country.

Currently, he disclosed that of all the rice consumed in the country, only 48% is locally produced despite the valleys and arable lands while a whopping 52% is imported.

The Deputy Food and Agriculture minister made the remarks in an interview at the sidelines of the Ghana Rice Interprofessional Body 8th Ghana National Rice Festival last Friday, November 17,2023 in Accra. 

He expressed the urgent need for pragmatic measures to avert the phenomenon.

According to him, there is no justification for the country to continue relying on imported rice to feed the nation.

It is in this vein that the ministry has launched phase 2 of the project with a focus on rice production across the country.

He noted that valleys across the country will be leveraged on while irrigation schemes are being rehabilitated to realize that dream.

The said when local rice consumption increases, demand will also increase to force production to increase.

He stated that the average age of a farmer as indicated by a carefully conducted research is 60, a matter he described as unfortunate thereby the PFJ phase 2 which intends to weep the youth along. Concerning the Rice festival, the minister suggested a repeat to create awareness of  the general public on the health benefits of consuming Ghanaian locally produced rice.

Nana Adjei Ayeh II, President of GRIB, assured his outfit's resolve to continue liaising with rice producers and the ministry to enable farmers reap the full benefits of their endeaour. 

The Ghana Rice Interprofessional Body(GRIB) President further called for a concerted effort by the government to develop the inland valleys for the engagement of many farmers.

He stressed that the consumption of local rice will propel an increase in production thereby creating a source of employment for the teaming unemployed youth.

Nana Ayeh II charged the youth to seize the numerous opportunities in the rice value chain particularly that which will be created by the PFJ 2.0 as the government has committed the highest budgetary allocation ever in record time.

Mrs. Adelade Siaw Agyepong, Jospong Group of Companies assured the gathering of her outfit's unrelenting resolve to ensure the success of the partnership in making locally produced rice a household commodity.

Mrs. Adjepong underscored the urgent need for job opportunities to be created and was therefore positive the initiative would yield the needed benefits.