Key actors in Ghana’s rice worth chain have known as for an built-in and coordinated method to strengthen the sector and tackle considerations about manufacturing, processing, post-harvest administration and market entry.
Alex Yeboah, Rice Breeder on the Savanna Agricultural Analysis Institute and performing head of the Rice Enchancment Program, emphasised that rice self-sufficiency can’t be achieved by addressing just one a part of the chain.
He famous that irrigation infrastructure, mechanisation, improved agronomic practices, and improved seeds should be prioritised alongside post-harvest dealing with.
“In case you are taking a look at rice self-sufficiency, you don’t sort out one side. It’s a must to take a look at it holistically in order that we are able to all achieve on the finish of the day,” he mentioned.
The decision was made throughout a business-to-business workshop convened by the Ghana Chapter of the Aggressive African Rice Platform (CARP-GH), beneath the umbrella of the ECOWAS Rice Observatory (ERO) – a regional platform collectively established by ECOWAS and AGRA to advance rice commerce, resilience, and regional integration.
Organised as a part of the Africa Meals Commerce and Resilience Programme (AFT&RP) – by means of AGRA and with funding from the International, Commonwealth and Improvement Workplace (FCDO) of the UK – the occasion introduced collectively over 40 stakeholders, together with producers, processors, seed firms, enter suppliers, improvement companions, and policymakers.
Chairman of CARP-GH, Yaw Poku, defined that the target of CARP is to harness the power and vibrancy of rice sector actors to remodel the worth chain and guarantee self-sustainability and affordability.
Ghana’s rice sector has skilled vital progress over the previous few years.
Nevertheless, there are nonetheless challenges in aligning efforts throughout the worth chain, notably in guaranteeing efficient collaboration between stakeholders. To handle this, CARP-GH organised the workshop to foster stronger ties amongst rice stakeholders in Ghana.
“The workshop delivered to the fore that linkages inside the worth chain and collaborative efforts of actors will improve and produce freshness, high quality and higher markets to the sector,” Mr. Poku mentioned.
There was additionally the showcasing of revolutionary applied sciences and finest practices in rice manufacturing, processing, and advertising.
The engagement additionally deliberated on efforts that have to be taken to strengthen the general rice worth chain consistent with nationwide agricultural insurance policies and goals. Stakeholders shared varied views on what must be executed to strengthen the rice worth chain.
Abukari Abdulai, Managing Director of Heritage Seed Firm Restricted and Northern Sector Consultant of the Nationwide Seed Commerce Affiliation of Ghana famous the necessity for high quality assurance and strict adherence to seed certification requirements.
“What we produce for the farmer is what we name the licensed seeds, and we undergo a course of that may make it good for a farmer to provide it… No one ought to produce rice seed with out inspection by PPRSD (Plant Safety and Regulatory Providers Division)…,” he mentioned.
Sepenica Darko, founder and crew chief for FarmerTribe Firm Restricted, additionally emphasised that challenges with faux enter provide and entry to markets have to be addressed.
“There are a complete lot of issues that occur alongside the enter provide chains that make farmers find yourself with counterfeited merchandise… We’re additionally going through difficulties due to a scarcity of markets,” she noticed.
Hajia Hawa Musah, Northern Regional Director of the Division of Agriculture, pressured that coverage adjustments are wanted to spice up native rice manufacturing and reduce imports. She believes that with correct funding, strategies, and dedication, Ghana may even export high quality rice.
The workshop builds on CARP Ghana’s 2025 work plan to host structured dialogues throughout Northern Ghana.
To this point, over 40 stakeholders have participated in studying periods, seed programs harmonisation efforts, and personal sector matchmaking, strengthening collaboration throughout coverage and enterprise ecosystems.
The platform aligns carefully with Ghana’s agricultural coverage goals, together with the Feed Ghana Programme, which factors out the significance of native manufacturing, worth addition, and meals programs resilience.
AGRA’s assist for CARP is a part of its broader Technique 3.0 dedication: to catalyse inclusive agricultural transformation by figuring out system tipping factors, enabling commerce, and amplifying the position of public-private partnerships.
By way of the AFT&RP and CARP-GH, AGRA helps the emergence of a aggressive agro-processing business and a stronger rice financial system, whereas guaranteeing that youth, girls, and smallholders are central to the transformation agenda.
In his opening remarks, Sunil Dahiya, Senior Program Officer for Inclusive Markets, Commerce, and Finance at AGRA – West Africa, emphasised the strategic significance of the dialogue.
“This platform represents an important alternative to attach all rice worth chain actors, improve sectoral coordination to harness alternatives and co-create long-lasting options that advance our shared imaginative and prescient of a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient rice sector in Ghana,” he mentioned.
“This method allows smarter funding, resilient markets, and in the end a extra self-reliant Ghanaian rice sector,” he added.
“AGRA continues to play a catalytic position by convening the nationwide and regional actors round shared alternatives for meals programs change and unlocking the rice sector’s potential,” Dahiya concluded.
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