Following the challenges spelt out by rice farmers in Upper Manya District Assembly during a capacity building workshop held at Asesewa from the 10th -11th of September, 2015 under the Mobilizing Action towards Agricultural Sector Improvement, Rite 90.1 FM yesterday, on a telephone interview with the Executive Secretary to GRIB (Ghana Rice Inter Professional Body), facilitated a move on behalf of the rice farmers from Upper Manya Krobo District to register under the “Rice Farmers Scheme” of GRIB to help solve the present problem of rice farmers, which is the lack of rice miller.
The Executive Secretary of GRIB, Mr. Evans Sackey Teye in a telephone interview with morning show host, Samuel Obeng disclosed that, their jurisdiction covers the whole country hence it is the mandate of GRIB to come to the aid of all rice farmers in the country. As such Rite FM is to encourage all farmers in the Upper Manya enclave through the media to come on board and take part in the National Cake available.
Mr. Evans Sackey Teye said, all rice farmers honour the payment of a dues requirement of Ghs 10 annually which is a way of showing commitment to the institution. Hence GRIB equally has the responsibility of providing them any assistance within their power through their 13 strategic zones in the country. The assistance provided ranges from machinery assistance, through farming chemicals, capacity building and market branding. He lamented that, there are a lot of donors that are willing to help but that until farmers are ready it will be difficult accessing these funds on farmers’ behalves and to farmers benefit. In addition, Mr. Evans Sackey explained, that very soon Ghana Standard Authority and the Food and drugs Board together with GRIB will together work on the quality of rice produced in the development of our country.
The Director of Agriculture in the Upper Manya District, Mr. Geoffery Honu, upon hearing the effort made by Rite FM, also expressed his excitement, saying that they will gladly welcome the move since it will be another limestone of success story to the district.
Source: ritefmonline.org
