GRIB, Calli Ghana partner to boost local rice industry and empower farmers
GHANA – The Ghana Rice Inter-Professional Body (GRIB) and Callighana Company Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to increase rice yields and boost farmer incomes in Ghana.
Under the agreement, Callighana will provide farmers nationwide with improved hybrid seeds, agrochemicals, and training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). This will ensure that farmers get access to quality inputs at the right time to help bridge the production gap.
Speaking on behalf of rice farmers, Nana Kwabena Adjei Ayeh II, President of GRIB, highlighted the importance of private-sector involvement in revitalizing the sector.
“With Callighana coming on board, we are assured of quality products at competitive rates, which will boost our yields,” he said.
Nana Ayeh stressed the shift in mindset among farmers, describing them as “business-oriented individuals” committed to maximizing yields and incomes through calculated efforts.
He also reaffirmed GRIB’s commitment to work towards a more productive rice sector, moving away from reliance on government handouts.
“It is initiatives and partnerships such as this that will drive the value chain to new heights,” Nana Ayeh noted.
Ghana’s rice industry has long grappled with challenges that limit its ability to meet domestic demand. Despite rice being a staple in the Ghanaian diet, the nation only produces about 50% of its rice consumption needs.
Productivity levels remain low, averaging two to three tonnes per hectare compared to global standards of five to six tonnes.
This reliance on imports has led to a significant drain on foreign exchange reserves, while factors such as outdated farming techniques, lack of improved seeds, limited access to technology, and insufficient irrigation systems exacerbate the issue.
Bernard Buertey Okutu, the Managing Director at Callighana company, emphasized the need for modernization to address these challenges.
“The rice industry in Ghana has long been confronted with challenges, leading to a significant gap between demand and supply. However, through strategic agricultural modernization, players in the sector have the potential to bridge this gap and pave the way for a self-sufficient and thriving rice sector,” he said.
Mr. Okutu underscored the role of hybrid seeds, advanced farming techniques, and sustainable practices in achieving these goals.
By equipping farmers with knowledge and tools, the partnership aims to create a resilient rice industry capable of not only meeting national demand but also contributing to Ghana’s economic development.
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