The government of Japan is supporting the Ghana rice sector with agricultural machinery worth GH¢9.7 million (around $2.5 million) under the Grant Assistance, according to local sources.
The donated machinery comprises of 77 agricultural tractors with matching implements, 49 power tillers, 20 rice threshers, 11 rice reapers and six rice mills. The support is aimed at helping Ghana increase rice production and reducing dependence on imports.
The Deputy Chief of Mission Counsellor, Japan Embassy, told local sources that the Japanese government is keen on extending necessary support to Ghana’s rice sector as part of efforts to enhance relationship between the two countries. He noted that Ghana’s rice sector needs immediate attention given the importance of rice in the economy. In the light of increasing consumption for rice in the country, there is an urgent need to strengthen domestic rice production and distribution system.
“The agricultural machinery would make it possible for small holder farmers to achieve timely field cultivation, high level of field bed preparation, planting and harvesting, which are important in rice production,” added Ghana’s Agriculture Minister.
Ghana’s annual rice import bill stood at $306 million in 2013 and the government is planning to increase rice production by about 20% per annum over the next four years to make Ghana self-sufficient in rice.
According to the USDA, Ghana’s rice production is estimated at about 300,000 tons (milled basis) in MY 2014-15 (October – September). The U.S. agency expects Ghana to import 650,000 tons of rice during the year to meet consumption needs of around 960,000 tons.
Source: Oryza.com
