Local rice sellers are bemoaning over low patronage of locally grown rice.
Speaking with AgriWatchgh News, the sellers lamented that the locally produced rice is still not attracting consumers as expected despite constant advocacy “eat Ghana rice.”
According to the sellers, consumers do not show interest in buying the made-in-Ghana rice due to several obvious reasons.
They emphasised that consumers still rate foreign or imported rice over the locally grown brands, tightening competition in the market.
The sellers highlighted that the home-grown rice is less attractive to consumers due to the lack of proper branding and packaging. They added that most consumers are of the view that the imported ones have better taste than the local rice.
They reiterated that in some situations, the price of the local rice is a bit higher or equals the price of imported ones making the competition tougher for local rice sellers, and producers. “Our local rice is the best yet lacks proper branding and packaging. Some buyers complain about the taste, and price causing low patronage.” “Buyers believe that local rice should be very moderate for them to consider ahead of foreign ones” they stated.
They added that “our local rice is more nutritious and without preservatives, so we should try as much as possible to consume our local rice for our own good.” According to them, not only will consumers benefit from nutrients by way of consuming local rice but also promote food security, encourage producers to do more, attract investors, and prepare the way for export.
The sellers therefore called on the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and all stakeholders within the rice production value chain to help invest into the rice sector to uplift branding and packaging, as well as any other thing that will make the venture more attractive and profitable for farmers.
