The Northern Caucus of Parliament has unveiled an ambitious plan to expand commercial rice production across northern Ghana as part of a broader effort to create jobs for the youth and strengthen the agricultural economy.
Under the new initiative, six Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs), along with selected traditional leaders, will be sponsored to Kenya to study that country’s successful model of large-scale rice cultivation.
The visit aims to expose participants to modern techniques in irrigation, mechanization, and cooperative farming that could be replicated in Ghana’s northern enclave.
In addition, Ghanaian investors will facilitate a study tour to Vietnam for members of the caucus to learn advanced rice-processing and value-addition techniques.
The move seeks to improve production efficiency, enhance processing quality, and attract both local and foreign investment into Ghana’s rice value chain.
Announcing the programme during an engagement with members of the Diplomatic Corps, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga said the initiative forms part of the caucus’s long-term vision to transform the northern region into a leading agricultural hub.
“Our goal is to make northern Ghana a centre of excellence in rice cultivation and processing, creating sustainable employment for young people and reducing our dependence on imported rice,” Mr. Ayariga stated.
He explained that the study visits to Kenya and Vietnam will help Ghana adopt best practices in both cultivation and post-harvest processing to boost productivity and competitiveness.
The initiative is expected to complement government efforts to promote local rice production, enhance food security, and increase the contribution of agriculture to national economic growth.
A detailed implementation plan is expected to be announced following the completion of the study tours.
Source : www.kumasimail.com
