Accra: Ms Momoko Suzuki, the Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has reaffirmed the organization's commitment to supporting Ghana in its quest to enhance domestic rice production and consumption through a series of targeted interventions.
According to Ghana News Agency, one of the key initiatives is the JICA Ghana Rice Production Improvement Project (GRIP), which aims to boost rice production in selected districts and irrigation schemes by promoting suitable rice cultivation technologies. As part of this initiative, GRIP will support the launch and execution of the National Rice Development Strategy II, which seeks to increase domestic rice production and ensure a stable supply, addressing significant challenges in food security and foreign exchange retention for Ghana.
The project will also contribute to the 'Feed Ghana Programme' set to be launched by the current government. Ms Suzuki made these remarks during a visit to the Kpong Irrigation Scheme, a GRIP project site in the Eastern Region, where she interacted with rice seed growers. The project, spanning from March 2022 to February 2027, focuses on training seed producers, including those in rain-fed areas, to enhance certified seed production and improve purity through foundation production by irrigation schemes.
Further, the project will offer technical guidance on breeder seed line cultivation at the Crops Research Institute and train seed producers on eliminating red rice contamination to maintain quality. Current statistics from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture indicate an annual rice consumption of 45 kilograms per capita, with a self-sufficiency rate of 47.5% as of 2023. To address this gap, Ms Suzuki emphasized the need for policymakers and stakeholders to implement effective policies to reduce imports and boost domestic production.
Mr Solomon Buenor, the Secretary of the Seed Growers Association, noted that the initiative has helped increase average rice yields to five tonnes per hectare annually, with six tonnes in the major season and five tonnes in the minor season. Despite these gains, challenges persist, particularly high labor costs due to insufficient machinery and transplanters for field planting. Mr Buenor highlighted the need for financial support, as many financial institutions are hesitant to provide loans given the perishable nature of rice produce.
