Accra, Feb. 1, GNA - The Forifori grain processing and storage facility was closed down eight years because of the fluctuating level of maize production in the area and high cost of haulage, Mr Ernest Debrah, Minister of Food and Agriculture, told Parliament on Thursday. Mr Raphael Kofi Ahaligah, NDC-Afram Plains South, had asked him what steps the Ministry was taking to rehabilitate the Silos at Forifori in the Afram Plains.

Mr Debrah said information gathered at the Forifori grain-processing site indicated that the facility was closed down eight years ago on account of the fluctuating level of maize production in the area and high cost of haulage at the time, which rendered the patronage of the facility very low.

Mr Debrah, however, said that some of the systems of the silo were found to be in good working condition, adding that since the facility had not been in operation for some time now the report of the data gathered had recommended that the facility should be test-run to ascertain its operational status and cost of rehabilitation. "A programme has been set up for the test, which the Ministry is pursuing," the Minister announced.

When Alhaji Issifu Pangabu, NDC-Ejura/Sekyedumasi, asked what the Ministry was doing to ensure fair price for farmers produce, Mr Debrah said the Ministry was establishing a national grains buffer stock for maize, which would help to stabilize the price of the produce. Under the scheme maize would be purchased from farmers at periods of over supply and sold when prices improved.

"In addition, the Ministry is facilitating the provision of processing and marketing facilities throughout the country," Mr Debrah said. 1 Feb. 07