CRAG Celebrates Farmers' Day, Pushes Rice Self‑Sufficiency

The Commercial Rice Growers Alliance Ghana (CRAG) congratulated Ghanaian farmers on the 41st National Farmers’ Day and praised the government’s renewed Made‑in‑Ghana rice procurement directive, issued on 6 December.

In a statement released Saturday, CRAG lauded the directive that requires schools, hospitals and security services to purchase locally‑produced rice for internal consumption, describing it as a step toward stable markets and reduced import dependence.

CRAG also welcomed several interventions outlined in the 2026 Budget, including the expansion of mechanisation services, improved access to agricultural inputs, increased irrigation development and support for agro‑industrialisation, all of which align with Ghana’s ambition for rice self‑sufficiency.

Despite these gains, the Alliance warned that high production costs, limited machinery access and unfair competition from cheap imports continue to hinder the rice value chain.

“Ghana is capable of growing the rice it consumes,” said Dr. Kofi Mensah, President of CRAG. “With targeted investments, stronger market linkages and decisive policy implementation, the country can achieve full rice self‑sufficiency.”

CRAG outlined four priority measures to accelerate transformation:

• Affordable inputs and machinery access – Provision of rice‑specific equipment such as combine harvesters and land‑levelling machines through Farmer Service Centres, coupled with subsidised input packages for commercial and emerging farmers.
• National Rice Advisory Committee – Creation of a multi‑stakeholder body comprising government agencies, private sector actors, farmer groups, millers, aggregators, research institutions and development partners to provide coordinated guidance and resolve sector challenges.
• Stronger private‑sector engagement – Incentives for millers, processors, aggregators and buyers to procure locally grown rice, and promotion of long‑term public‑private partnerships within rice enclaves and industrial parks under the 24‑Hour Economy plan.
• Phased reduction of rice imports and promotion of local consumption – Gradual import curtailment, stricter border controls to prevent market flooding, and intensified campaigns such as “Eat Ghana Rice” with value‑chain stakeholders.

CRAG reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with government, development partners and the private sector to modernise production, improve quality and expand processing and marketing opportunities for Ghanaian rice.

The Alliance pledged to advocate for fair pricing, protect farmer livelihoods and ensure that rice production becomes a profitable and competitive enterprise across the country.

Image Source: MYJOYONLINE