Ohiamadwen Rice Growers Association (ORFA) in the Shama District of the Western Region, has appealed to the government to put in place an irrigation project for them to ensure all seasonal rice production.
Members of the association noted that relying only on the weather for production is not enough as it is not reliable and often result in low yield.
The members made the appeal at a workshop organised by Ghana Trade and Livelihood Coalition (GTLC) a social enterprise and research organisation to introduce them to modern agronomic practices and business plan in rice production.
They noted that rice production is convincing enough for financial institutions to grant them loans.
Mr Gideon Duanyvotor, Secretary of the ORFA appealed to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to construct storage facilities for farmers to store their produce as they are always compelled to sell their crops cheaper.
Mr Ibrahim Akalbilla, Coordinator of the GTLC took the rice growers through the various techniques of production to improve the quality of rice and urged them to see farming as a business entity and keep records of their transactions to enable them to assess their performance and adopt new strategies.
Mr Akalbilla asked them to insure their farms against disaster.
Mr Joseph Nii Tettey Otu District Agricultural Officer said Ghana has not yet achieved the status of producing “grade one” rice as there are no facilities to that effect.
