Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, Minister for Food and Agriculture, has called on private investors to invest more in the Ghana rice industry, specifically in rice milling machines. He noted in a recent interview that farmers struggle to process paddy due to inadequate rice mills across the country.
Rice is an essential part of the Ghanaian economy with an increase in rice consumption in recent years. Statistics indicate that between 2008 and 2020, paddy rice production was in the range of 302,000 MT and 987,000 MT (181,000 to 622,000 MT of milled rice) with large annual fluctuations. Also, in 2020, the total rice consumed was about 1,450,000 MT. This shows that our consumption has increased, which makes farmers produce more but the lack of mills make it difficult for farmers to keep up with the rising appetite for locally produced rice. Thousands of bags remained unmilled as farmers struggle to have ready rice available.
He indicated that the lack of modern rice milling machines in the country causes delays in having ready rice for the Ghanaian market. According to the Minister, investments from private entities in the rice industry would help it thrive and expand. He cited that farmers work hard to have paddy rice ready for milling, however the lack of rice mills in the country makes it difficult.
He encouraged investors to support the rice industry in the country as huge profits can be made from the rice market. He revealed that these are the ways private sector can help government grow the Agric sector.