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Rice cultivators in the Kassena-Nankana Municipal area, particularly those working along the Tono Irrigation Scheme in the Upper East region, have voiced distress regarding the diminishing prices for their yield amidst a surplus of rice.
The farmers are highlighting the challenging predicament of encountering low buyer demand, leading to exploitation by intermediaries who are purchasing a 220-kilogram bag at GH¢700. This stands in stark contrast to the GH¢900 received last year for a 180-kilogram bag.
Robert Kwame Abokah, Chairman of the Federation of Water Users Association, emphasized the alarming decrease in market prices due to the scarcity of buyers as the harvesting reaches its peak. He revealed the stark economics, indicating that the current price offered results in a significant loss for farmers compared to the production cost of GH¢8,500 for 10 bags of 180 kilograms each, previously sold at GH¢900 per bag.
This plunge in price per kilogram has induced financial strain among farmers, complicating their financial stability in light of reduced returns on their labor.
Doris Adda, a female farmer, expressed frustration at the hurdles faced by women in agriculture due to middlemen activities, hindering their ability to sell quality rice that could aid in fulfilling obligations like children’s education expenses.
Additionally, Harry Kubaje, another farmer, urged government intervention through the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) to regulate bag standards, addressing the issue of exploitation by buyers using non-standardized sacks to gain advantage in trade.
The situation raises concerns over the sustainability of the agricultural livelihoods of these farmers and calls for urgent intervention to stabilize the market and secure fair returns for their produce.
Photo Credit: CitiNewsroom
