Pusu-Namongo (U/E), June 23, GNA - The Rice Sector Support Programme (RSSP), an initiative of the Ministry of Agriculture (MOFA), that is aimed at increasing rice production was launched at Pusu-Namongo near Bolgatanga. The RSSP would also promote rice processing and marketing in order to expand production and enhance the livelihoods of farmers.

The formal launching of the programme was organized and carried out by the Farmer Training Centre (FTC) in collaboration with MOFA. Mr David Azupogo, Manager of the FTC, said as part of the implementation of RSSP, the FTC shall organize a series of sensitization programmes in the beneficiary communities of Garu-Tempane, Kasena-Nankana, Builsa Districts and Bolga Municipality on rice production, processing, marketing and management.

He explained that the programme would support the rice value chain in the Northern part of Ghana through four linked and complementary key actions; land development based on the reclamation of valleys, capacity building for stakeholders through support to Farmer Based Organizations (FBOs), facilitation of access to credit for the stakeholders involved in the rice value chain and institutional capacity development in credit service delivery. Mr Joseph Ayembilla, Development Coordinator of the Navrongo-Bolgatang= a Catholic Diocese, said the FTC was established in 2003 as part of the Diocese's quest to reach out and make greater impact in the lives of the rural poor with a mission of ensuring improved food and livelihood security of the poor households.

Mr Ayembilla said the FCT entered into a contract with MoFA, to mobilize and facilitate the development of 1,625 Producer Based Organizations, 813 Processors Based Organizations and Marketers Based Organizations in four Districts of the Upper East Region, Garu-Tempane, Kasena-Nankana, Builsa and the Bolga Municipality.