The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) says Ghana’s rice industry has gained major growth under the Ghana Rice Production Improvement Project (GRIP).
Commenced in March 2022 and expected to end in February 2027, the five-year initiative has already made progress in improving irrigation infrastructure and enhancing seed quality, among others.
One of the key beneficiaries of the GRIP initiative is the Kpong Irrigation Scheme, where farmers have seen notable increases in yields due to improved water access and the introduction of modern farming techniques.
As part of a three-day monitoring tour to assess progress, JICA officials and members of the media visited the Kpong Irrigation Scheme to engage with stakeholders and discuss challenges facing rice farmers.
A primary concern raised during these discussions was the high cost of labor associated with transporting harvested rice.
While stakeholders expressed gratitude to JICA for its instrumental role in addressing irrigation bottlenecks, they emphasized the urgent need for dedicated transport services to alleviate the financial burden on farmers.
Another crucial aspect of GRIP’s impact is its emphasis on certified seed production.
Through collaboration with the National Rice Coordinating Committee (NRCC), farmers now have greater access to high-quality seeds, resulting in improved germination rates and higher yields.
“Access to certified seeds has improved drastically, enabling us to produce rice that meets market demands,” said Solomon Buenor, General Secretary of the Seed Growers Association.
He also noted that JICA’s interventions since 2017 have been instrumental in transforming irrigation infrastructure, resolving longstanding production challenges, and facilitating better seed propagation.
Mechanization remains a critical area of focus for GRIP, with ongoing efforts to reduce the high labor costs associated with rice transplanting.
Samuel Evans Lamptey, Project Manager of the Kpong Irrigation Project, highlighted that introducing rice transplanters could further enhance efficiency and significantly cut down production costs for farmers.
Frank Kedzi of the Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA) underscored the project’s broader impact on the industry.
“Improved irrigation and seed quality are translating into higher yields and more stable incomes for farmers. This is not just about producing more rice—it’s about securing livelihoods and ensuring food security,” Kedzi stated.
With ongoing support from JICA, in collaboration with GIDA and the Directorate of Crop Services (DCS), GRIP is on track to revolutionize Ghana’s rice production landscape.
The initiative is expected to bolster economic resilience, promote food security, and drive sustainable agricultural growth.
As Ghana strives for self-sufficiency in rice production, initiatives like GRIP are proving to be game-changers, laying the foundation for a thriving and competitive rice sector in the country.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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