Various stakeholders within the rice production industry have waded in and pledged support of various kinds geared at resolving the harvesting challenges confronting rice farmers in Akuse, Asutsuare and other parts of the country.
Chairman of the Ghana Rice Advocacy Council, Mr. Nkansah has given the strongest assurance yet to farmers of Asutsuare and Akuse that the much sought after equipment for the harvesting of their rice such as the combine harvesters, would swiftly move in in the coming weeks. This however is subject to the commitment of the farmers to pay for the services of the equipment.
Mr. Nkansah who was speaking on Tuesday’s ‘Feed the Future Platform’ on Rite FM said all was set for the equipment to be moved to the two towns in the Lower Manya Krobo and Greater Accra regions respectively to help rice farmers harvest their produce, while stressing that this was however only going to happen when the farmers fulfill their side of the bargain which is paying for the cost of their services.
Mr. Nkansah however explained that various payment options were available to address any payment challenges or concerns for any of the farmers.
Also reacting to the issues, Director in charge of Extensions for the Shai Osudoku district assembly, Mr Jonathan Nartey while admitting the challenges said the district had a harvester but which unfortunately has broken down. Touching on their commitment to deal with the problem, Mr. Nartey cited president Mahama’s visit to Asutsuare and his subsequent promise to address the problem, part of which was the president’s assurance that some of the combine harvesters were being imported from Brazil.
Chairman of the National Award Winners Association, Davies Narh Korbo also contributing to the show said he was trying his possible best to help the farmers whose rice could not be harvested. He also gave the assurance that though the Akuse and Asutsuare problem may not be wholly solved this year, in the near future they may get their own combined harvesters to help the farmers.
Meanwhile, Presiding Member of the Shai Osudoku district, Mr. Benjamin Omanye said he was particularly worried about the manner the government is handling the agricultural sector even against the resolve of the country to reduce the importation of rice.
Source: ritefmonline.org
