The new investor for Aveyime rice farms, Chrispod Farms Limited, is seeking to cultivate 10,000 hectares of rice by the end of 2024 through the outgrower scheme.
The outgrower scheme is a contractual arrangement where a large farmer who is well-resourced takes charge of smaller farmers by providing them with the necessary training on agronomy practices and some farm inputs for production.
Mr Chris Kpodo, the owner of Chrispod Farms Limited and the third investor for the Aveyime rice farms in Battor, Volta Region, said the company would cultivate 10,000 hectares of rice annually to feed the nation.
Mr Kpodo said this on Thursday when he and his team met the chiefs and people here in Aveyime.
He said his vision was to create jobs for the local people, train new entrepreneurs and support the cause of cutting the importation of rice.
Mr Kpodo told journalists that, in addition to training and providing incentives to small holder farmers, the annual production of 10,000 hectares of rice could fetch $30 million.
Mr Kpodo said the new management took stock of the challenges faced by the previous investors and had put together a team to see to the success of the project.
He said design works and ploughing were ongoing, while canals were re-engineered to provide water for the farms.
Mr Kpodo appealed to the government to help clear fertilisers and other farm equipment at the ports.
Mr Thomas More Zonyrah, the District Chief Executive of Central Tongu, for his part, said he was enthused the company considered local content as a priority.
He recalled the challenges of the past investors and urged the new investor to endeavor to change the narrative.
Mr William Dzamefe, the Regional Director of Agric, said he was hopeful the new investor could increase rice production in the region from 23 per cent to 30 per cent.
He said the company needs more machinery to be able to engage more hands on the farm.
The Mankrado of Bakpa Traditional Area, Togbi Tosu said “No one would travel to seek greener pastures when they have jobs”.
He advised prospective outgrowers and others to support the project to be successful.
FROM MALIK SULLEMANA, BATTOR
