The Volta Regional Minister has lauded the Springs Agro Industries Limited on its intention to set up a 15,000 tons rice processing plant in the Central Tongu District to augment Ghana’s rice production capacity. 

Dr Archibald Letsa believes the initiative would not only stimulate the growth of the local economy but contribute to meet the country's increasing demand for quality local rice.

He said these when an entourage from the Indian Company paid a courtesy call on him on Tuesday.

Dr Letsa urged the company to expand its out-grower scheme to ensure the mill operates at full capacity, while farmers in nearby districts benefit from the economic impact. 

He, however, admonished landowners to cooperate and table 'reasonable agreement' before potential investors, who may wish to undertake projects in the Volta Region.

The Chairman of the Springs Agro Industries Limited, Pankaj Mohindroo, indicted the Akufo-Addo-led-government's vision to curb rice importation informed his decision to set up a world-class rice mill in Ghana.

“The development of the rice industry is very important to achieving that vision”, he stressed. 

He explained that his company would not only concentrate on producing rice of world quality but would invest in the development of human resources for the rice production industry. 

Mr. Mohindroo added that the out-growers would be supported with all the requisite machinery and technicalities to ensure they produce very high standard rice paddy to feed the company. 

“We have a very good mix of talents from Ghana and India, and we want to bring more Ghanaians. We are also arranging for students of the Agriculture Institute to have their internships with us where they can learn on the farms”, he said. 

“We are at the trial stage, we will be coming out with a brand by July or August", he assured.

The Central Tongu District Chief Executive, Thomas Moore Zonyra, said the Assembly and the Agriculture Department had volunteered to manage the out-growers scheme for the company which would create employment for the locals and enhance their livelihood. 

He said that they are hoping to engage about 1,800 farmers after successfully experimenting with 80 farmers to ensure enough rice is produced to feed the milling plant. 

“Now the interest in buying local rice is very high and there is always a shortage of locally produced rice, so we also want to expand so that we can meet the demands”, he explained. 

The Indian investors were officially invited to the 4th Volta Trade and Investment Fair to enlighten patrons, exhibitors and investors on modern technologies in rice cultivation.

The event which would be held at the Ho Sports Stadium is slated between November 15 to 28.