Stakeholders are urging the government to increase investments in research to enhance rice cultivation and production, ultimately reducing the need for imports.

They emphasise that the nation's pursuit of self-sufficiency in rice hinges on the commitment of key players to allocate ample funds for research aimed at developing high-yielding varieties and innovative technologies for grain processing.

These stakeholders, comprising rice farmers, millers, seed growers, intermediaries, and consumers, voiced their appeal during the evaluation of new rice strains at a demonstration farm in Sokwai, within the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality of the Ashanti Region.

The selection process was carried out among 12 recently developed varieties released by the Crops Research Institute (CRI) under the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.

Farmers were asked to walk the rice field and pick out the varieties they believed would be most beneficial. This selection procedure was carried out sequentially, allowing every farmer on the field to make their preferred choices.

Diverse viewpoints and assessments were expressed regarding the cultivated rice varieties.

Selecting the "CRI Agyapa" variety released in 2022, Mr. Joseph Panada, a rice farmer at Sokwai described its appealing aroma and plentiful tillers, which contribute to potentially higher yields.

He praised the CRI for consistently introducing new rice varieties annually, benefiting farmers and the industry.

Another stakeholder, Mr. Kwadwo Asempa, a seed grower stationed at Wiawso, lauded the "CRI AgraRice" and "CRI Amankwatia" varieties as superior in the market due to their potential for greater yields, strong grain quality, good size, and similarities to imported rice brands.

Highlighting the importance of quality processing equipment, Mr. Asempa stressed the need for accessible machinery to elevate rice processing standards.

Messers Maxwell Ayirebi and Felix Botir, millers from Ntensere and Nobewam, respectively, expressed optimism about the consumer appeal of "CRI-Agyapa Rice" and emphasized the significance of irrigation facilities to maximize crop productivity.

Mr. Kirpal Agyemang Ofosu, Assistant Breeder at CSIR-CRI, says the institute would look at the variety the farmers are geared towards and work more on it.

He highlighted that many farmers lack the financial capacity to purchase seeds directly from breeders.

He underlined the researchers' dedication to releasing quality rice varieties, and called on the government to allocate more resources to rice research for improved production.