Several rice farmers in the Afadzato South District in the Volta Region are appealing to government for urgent intervention to address post-harvest losses affecting their produce.
The farmers say they are yet to sell rice harvested last year, making it difficult to repay loans and prepare for the new farming season due to persistent challenges.
Mr Dickson Kodzo Addo, spokesperson for the Afadzato South Farmers Association, told the media that the lack of processing facilities, particularly a rice mill, has rendered most of their harvests unprofitable.
He explained that engagement with Buffer Stock authorities indicated that only processed rice is accepted for purchase.
Mr Addo noted that, given the presence of several second-cycle institutions in the district, a rice processing facility would enable farmers to mill their paddy rice and supply schools, helping them generate income to repay loans and support their families.
He urged government to urgently support farmers to sustain production and boost consumption of locally produced rice.
Mr Samuel Wonaglo, a farmer in the area, said the only rice mill serving the district and surrounding communities is privately owned and has been non-functional for weeks due to a faulty electric transformer.
He added that the absence of warehouses in the district has forced farmers to store sacks of paddy rice in the open within their homes.
Madam Afeti Peace Dela, another farmer, said beyond difficulties in loan repayment, farmers spend between GH₵800 and GH₵1,000 per acre on harvesting due to the absence of public or subsidised farming centres that could reduce production costs.
She said the government must also reduce prices of fertilisers rather than supplying free fertilisers because a number of fertilisers could not cover the acres cultivated, forcing them to buy more to top up.
Mr Peter Kornu, a farmer, said government support for youth must be seen in how the farmers’ plights were solved since the current state of rice farmers in the district was discouraging most youth in the area.
He said the encouragement of local rice consumption was not feasible if rice producers continued to face challenges, adding that he had more than 100 bags of paddy rice without any patronage.
Mr Edward Tyson Mensah, a farmer said a ‘number 4’ bag paddy rice which sold for GHS600 was reduced to GHS280 this year, but customers were not ready to purchase.
He said that the 2026 farming season began in May/June with preparation of the land with tilling in July/August, adding that he could only cultivate ten acres this year instead of the 20 acres last year which also hinged on availability of funds.
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