Rice production in Ghana has come under scrutiny in recent years, as the government works to reduce its agricultural imports by boosting domestic production. A number of state-led initiatives are aimed at improving output. Additionally, the private sector is playing an increasingly important role.

Research shows that rice production in Ghana has the potential to meet local and international demand in the next few years.

Figures from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture show that the annual per capita consumption of about 40kg per person as of 2019 is expected to hit 63 kg this year.

International Trade Focus Visited the Oti Region to speak with the best rice producers and retailers to find out the percentage of local rice purchased during the festive season.

Nyame Priscilla, a local rice seller in Brewaniase of the Nkwanta District in the Oti Region, said local rice fetched her lots of money during the season, adding that most people in the region consumed lots of local rice compared to the foreign rice. She said her buyers are mostly rice sellers.

Rice farmers have revealed that rice farming is not just for consumption but a source of income for many farmers in the region.

Mr Winfred Nyame is also a local rice farmer who owns an eight-acre farmland. According to him, local rice production has been the main source of income and sustenance for himself and family.

He averred the quality of rice production has increased drastically with issues of stones largely a thing of the past.

He encouraged Ghanaians to purchase more local rice, not just for their personal satisfaction but also to boost the general economy.

The farmers commended the ministry of Agriculture for playing a key role in boosting quality rice production in the country. Mr Nyame further called on Agricultural officers to put in more efforts to help boost local rice production in the region.

Touching on the challenges, Mr Nyame said local rice farmers in the region are unable to get higher yields because of the lack of machines for harvesting. He added that storage facility has also been a challenge for many farmers in the region.

Badu Patricia, the First Lady to win the best rice farmer in the Region, specifically under the Nkwanta district for the past three years also urged Ghanaians to purchase made in Ghana rice.

Mensah Famous has been in the rice farming business for the past ten years. According to him, local farmers have corrected their previous mistakes that prevented many Ghanaians from patronising made in Ghana rice.

Mr Mensah further assured buyers and consumers of quality local rice with good taste.