In contrast to other goods, demand for local rice is still skyrocketing on the market, despite the current shortage and price increases in the Northern region.

0

The northern sector of the rice trade is flourishing as a result of the great demand for local rice, and the majority of young people are currently profiting from it.

1

Although the lack of combine harvesters continues to be a challenge for most farmers, observations by the B&FT at various processing centers in the Tamale Metropolis and Sagnerigu Municipality show that the region's rainfall pattern helped the farmers record a bumper crop.

2

Also, the cost of inputs has resulted in increments of the price – as well as for tractor services for production activities.

3

A rice processor, Memunatu Iddrisu – who works with Lowlandi Rice Processing Centre, told B&FT that the demand for local rice has been high due to the campaign by government and stakeholders.

4

“We used to sell less than ten bags a day, but the campaign and current situation have encouraged high demand so that we are able to sell more than 20 bags a day. The situation has exerted pressure on us to demand more hands in order to process the commodity,” she said.

5

Indeed, the Department of Agriculture and Savannah Zone Agriculture Productivity Improvement Project (SAPIP) have been engaging farmers in those municipalities, while supporting them in gaining access to finance and tractor services.

6

The Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officer at the Department of Agriculture-Tamale, Felix Oteng Dwaah, told B&FT that the Department engaged the services of Agricultural Extension Agents in the region to assist farmers on best agronomic practices.

7

The hike in price

8

At the processing centre in Tamale, the price of an Olonka of 5kg has increased to GH¢30 from GH¢15; 12.5kg has increased to GH¢70 from GH¢40; and 25kg has increased to GH¢150/300 from GH¢100 based on the variety.

9

On the market, it ranges between GH¢80 to GH¢100 for 5kg and GH¢300 to GH¢400 for 25kg.

10

At Fumbisi in the Sandema district of the Upper East Region, a hub of rice production, 5kg of local rice goes for GH¢80 while 25kg goes for GH¢350.

11