Rice Farmers in Gbdembilisi Lament Over Low Patronage
Rice farmers in Gbdembilisi, located in the Builsa South District of the Upper East Region, have raised concerns regarding the insufficient patronage for their harvested rice products. They attribute the scarcity of buyers to the unregulated importation of foreign rice into the country, resulting in a significant oversupply of rice.
READ ALSO: Government To Impose Import Restrictions on Rice, "Yemuadie" And Other Goods
John Amobil, a prominent rice farmer, voiced the distress experienced by local farmers, highlighting the impact of government-subsidized importation of foreign rice on their market accessibility. According to Amobil, the influx of government-imported foreign rice has deterred local buyers, consequently leading to an accumulation of unsold local rice. Additionally, he lamented the government’s restriction of foreign nationals from neighboring countries, attributing this measure to impeding the purchasing of local rice.
Cezar Akinkang, the Chairman of the Builsa South Rice Farmers Association, has acknowledged the challenge presented by the competitive cost of foreign rice, which has hampered the market reception of local rice produce. Akinkang urged the government to consider subsidizing the production costs of rice cultivation, thereby facilitating a reduction in the overall cost of local rice. This subsidy, he suggests, would alleviate the financial burden on local farmers, making their products more competitive in the market.
READ ALSO: GUTA Applauds Suspension Of Import Restriction Bill
The rich cultural heritage of the community is deeply intertwined with rice cultivation, serving as a tradition passed down through generations during each rainy season. The cohesive link between the community and rice farming emphasizes the essential role of this agricultural practice within the fabric of Gbdembilisi's culture and heritage.
Comments
Post a Comment