Volta Rice Farmers Seek Urgent Support to Curb Post-Harvest Losses

Rice farmers in the Afadzato South District of the Volta Region have appealed to government for urgent intervention to curb rising post-harvest losses, warning that the situation is threatening their livelihoods and future production.

The farmers say large quantities of rice harvested last year remain unsold, leaving many unable to repay loans or adequately prepare for the next farming season.

Speaking to the media spokesperson for the Afadzato South Farmers Association, Dickson Kodzo Addo, attributed the challenge to the lack of processing facilities in the district, particularly a rice mill.

According to him, attempts to sell to the National Buffer Stock Company have been unsuccessful because the company only accepts processed rice.

“The absence of a processing facility such as a rice mill has made our harvest unprofitable,” he said

Mr. Addo explained that establishing a rice mill in the district would enable farmers to process paddy rice for supply to second-cycle institutions, thereby creating a ready market and improving incomes.

“We have many schools in the district. If we are able to process our rice, we can supply to them, repay our loans, and support our families,” he added.

Farmers also cited the breakdown of the only privately owned rice mill in the area as a major setback. Samuel Wonaglo noted that the facility has been out of operation for weeks due to a faulty transformer, leaving farmers stranded.

He further highlighted the lack of storage infrastructure, explaining that many farmers are forced to store paddy rice in their homes due to the absence of warehouses.

Madam Afeti Peace Dela raised concerns about rising production costs, stating that farmers spend between GH₵800 and GH₵1,000 per acre during harvesting due to the lack of government-supported centres to reduce costs.

She called for a reduction in fertiliser prices instead of limited free distribution, noting that farmers often have to purchase additional supplies to meet their needs.

Other farmers warned that the situation is discouraging youth participation in agriculture. Peter Kornu stressed that efforts to promote youth involvement must address the challenges confronting existing farmers.

“The promotion of local rice consumption cannot be sustained if producers continue to face these difficulties,” he said, adding that he currently has over 100 bags of unsold paddy rice.

Edward Tyson Mensah said falling prices have worsened the situation, noting that a bag of paddy rice which sold for GH₵600 last year now goes for about GH₵280 due to low demand.

He added that financial constraints would force him to scale down production this season, cultivating only 10 acres compared to 20 acres last year.

The farmers are therefore calling on government to invest in processing facilities, storage infrastructure, and affordable agricultural inputs to sustain local rice production and reduce reliance on imports.