Boost For Rice Farmers

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THE ASHANTI Regional branch of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) is hoping to cultivate 724.25 acres of rice this year in the region under the Inland Rice Development Project and Nerica Rice Dissemination Project (IVRDP).

The two projects are aimed at increasing the production of local rice to reduce importation and also increase the income of small holder farmers.

Against this background 60 rice farmers in the region have so far been supported with GH¢120,375.97 to expand their farm acreages.

The 60 farmers were selected from three districts in the region namely Ejisu-Juaben, Ejura-Sekyedumase and Ahafo Ano.

Emmanuel Owusu-Ansah, the Ashanti Regional Minister made this known during this year's People's Assembly at the Prempeh Assembly Hall in Kumasi.

He noted that the Regional Food and Agriculture Directorate is also pursuing the Root and Tuber Improvement and Marketing Programme (RTIMP) this year with a view to improving the production, processing and marketing of root and tuber crops particularly cassava.

The Regional Minister disclosed that over 70 acres of secondary multiplication fields have been established in eight districts in the region to produce improved planting materials for the farmers to increase yield.

He mentioned the districts as Asante Akim South, Obuasi Municipal, Sekyere Central and Ejura-Sekyedumase.

The rest are Sekyere East, Adansi South, Atwima Nwabiagya and Ahafo Ano South districts.

Hon. Owusu Ansah emphasized that the regional Agric Unit has also put in place viable measures to improve the production of maize, which is a staple food in the region.

He said to improve food supply and forestall any shortage, the unit has started implementing a special maize programme to boost maize production in the region.

From Morgan Owusu, Kumasi

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