The Asian African Consortium (AAC), a subsidiary of the Jospong Group, has launched the Jospong Rice, the newest addition to Ghana’s local rice brands.
Mr Bryan Acheampong, Minister of Food and Agriculture, endorsed the AAC-branded rice as “authentic Ghanaian rice” at the 2024 Agrifest, held in Accra, over the weekend.
Agrifest 2024, serving as a platform for farmers and producers in the agriculture value chain, was on the theme: “Building Climate-Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Food Security.
A Jospong Group release copied to Ghana News Agency, in Accra, said the high-quality rice, grown and processed in Ghana, met international standards and “ensured a delicious and nutritious product for consumers.”
The initiative, according to the company, supported the economy and local farmers, and demonstrated AAC’s dedication to strengthening Ghana’s agricultural sector.
“By promoting local production, Jospong Rice aims to reduce Ghana’s reliance on imported rice, which has seen the country spend more than S6.8 billion (equivalent to $560 million) annually. This initiative aligns with the government’s objective of boosting the economy through import substitution,” it said.
Mrs. Adelaide Agyepong, Chief Executive Officer of AAC, said the company was taking “a significant step” towards ensuring Ghana’s food security by supporting local agriculture and promoting sustainable practices.
At the Agrifest 2024 event, AAC displayed modern agricultural equipment and mechanisation services, showcasing its innovative solutions for sustainable food security.
The company engaged stakeholders, including agrochemical suppliers, financial institutions, and government agencies, to foster strategic partnerships aimed at strengthening Ghana’s agricultural sector.
“With its leadership in agricultural transformation, AAC is driving mechanisation and market competitiveness to secure Ghana’s food future.
“The Asian African Consortium, is scaling up Ghana’s rice industry by investing in high-quality seeds, modern production technologies, and training for smallholder farmers. The goal is to replace the increasing quantities of imported rice,” Jospong Group noted.
Considering the increased rice consumption in Ghana, officials say the country needed to produce rice locally to reduce the financial strain caused by rising imports and foreign exchange demand.
In 2023, the Asian AAC partnered major players in the rice industry in Thailand and Ghana to develop an integrated rice farming project. The initiative aligns with the government’s objective of boosting the economy through import substitution.
GNA