The Chief Executive of Shai-Osudoku District Assembly, Hon. Ignatius Godfred Dordoe, and Buffer Stock Company Mr. George Abradu-Otoo have met with the Asutsuare rice farmers association to tackle challenges with market access to boost local rice sales. The meeting forms part of efforts by the District Assembly to secure sustainable markets for rice farmers to secure income stability for farmers and promote food security.
It follows earlier talks between the Assembly and Buffer Stock on practical solutions to address marketing challenges faced by the farmers.
Giving an account of the situation, the farmers indicated that harvested rice is piling up
due to poor market access, causing serious financial strain and making it difficult to cover production costs and fund the next planting season.
They urged Buffer Stock to buy more local rice, saying guaranteed purchases would improve livelihoods, drive higher production, and strengthen national food security.
Mr. Abradu-Otoo assured farmers of the company’s commitment to local rice production.
He said Buffer Stock will keep working with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the District Assembly, and other partners to improve marketing and distribution of Ghanaian rice.
On his part, Hon. Dordoe reaffirmed the Assembly’s support for agriculture as a key economic driver. He praised the farmers’ hard work and promised continued efforts to connect them with reliable markets.
He added that growing the local rice industry supports the government’s goals: food self-sufficiency, cutting rice imports, and creating jobs in farming communities.
The session ended with an open forum where farmers shared more concerns and ideas on their operations. Both the Assembly and Buffer Stock pledged stronger collaboration to help Asutsuare rice farmers scale up production and earn better incomes.
SOURCE:ISD(SODA)
