In light of a forthcoming Legislative Instrument (LI) to limit rice imports, the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) is pleading with the government to solve what it refers to as “artificial shortages” of rice in the country.

The Association stresses that, even while it supports the government’s decision to impose restrictions on the commodity and other goods, such as livestock, poultry, tripe, and vegetable oil, issues facing the sector must be addressed in order to prevent rice shortages.

During a press briefing, Bismark Tetteh, the Association’s Head of Programs, mentioned that the high cost of production might act as a deterrent for local farmers to grow enough rice to meet demand.

“Firstly, the cost of production continues to be high and unaffordable for the rice farmer. As of June 2023, the cost of production for an acre of rice costs a farmer not less than GH¢5,000. At the same time, 180kg of paddy rice is sold at GH¢700. With the low prices, farmers are still struggling to get guaranteed buyers. This development will make it difficult to attract more farmers to produce to meet domestic demand,” the Head of Programs noted.

Furthermore, Bismark Tetteh pointed out that obtaining irrigation infrastructure has grown to be a significant obstacle in rice production.

To ensure the sustainability of rice production, the government should thus show its commitment by constructing a suitable irrigation system.

Mr. Tetteh further made a plea to the government to lower loan interest rates help rice farmers access loans. He claims that the program will make it possible for “private individuals to take low interest loans to invest in rice production, milling facilities, and mechanization.”

He also urged the government to address the exorbitant expense of chicken feed and treatment, which accounted for more than 70% of the production costs documented in 2022.

Dr. Charles Nyaaba, the Association’s Executive Director, urged the government to be more precise in allocating cash in the 2024 budget intended to assist farmers impacted by the Akosombo Dam spillage.

Dr. Nyaaba also expressed dissatisfaction with the financial provision for the agriculture sector in the 2024 budget, pointing out that the percentage growth of money set aside for the sector remained the same from 2023 to 2024.

“Computing the budget allocations made for the three Ministries, the agricultural sector budget allocation as a percentage of the total government budget in 2024 is the same as in 2023, i.e., 1.95%. While there is an increase in the actual budgetary allocation, it is still far below the expected 10% commitment made under the Malabo declaration,” Dr Nyaaba stated.