Former President Jerry John Rawlings has asked Ghanaians to purchase and consume local rice as a way of supporting Ghanaian rice farmers.
On the occasion of the 35th National Farmers’ Day, former President Rawlings commended all farmers and fisherfolk for the good work done in providing food for Ghanaians. In a statement, the former President urged the government to create opportunities for farmers to embrace new technologies to boost their yield.
He also appealed to financial institutions to support the farming community with incentives that will encourage interest from the youth.
The statement said insufficient access to finance for smallholder farmers and low investment due to perceived and actual risks in lending to agri-businesses limit the ability of producers to address these issues.
This, therefore compel farmers to sell their produce at distress prices.
He called on the youth “especially the educated young ones to endeavour to accept farming as a responsible calling, that is not only rewarding but also of immense benefit to the country.
