Japan International Cooperation Agency has pledged GH¢35 million toward the establishment of a local rice seed production plant in Northern Ghana as part of efforts to strengthen food security and support the country’s agricultural transformation agenda.
The facility will be equipped with advanced machinery aimed at improving timely seedling production and increasing access to high-quality rice seeds for farmers across the country.
According to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the initiative is expected to significantly improve Ghana’s rice subsector through enhanced seed production, technical training and irrigation support.
The programme will also focus on building the capacity of irrigation scheme officers while training farmers to operate modern agricultural machinery introduced under the project.
Eric Opoku described the investment as consistent with President John Dramani Mahama’s “Feed Ghana Programme,” which seeks to ensure stable food supplies throughout the year.
Government Assures Proper Utilisation
Speaking on the initiative, the Agriculture Minister pledged government’s commitment to ensuring the effective use of the funds to achieve broader agricultural development goals.
“As Minister, I pledged Government's commitment to the judicious utilization of this financial commitment,” he stated, adding that the project would help advance the Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda.
Officials say the rice seed production plant is expected to strengthen local rice production, reduce dependence on imported seeds and contribute to long-term food sustainability in Ghana.
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