The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku has received agro-inputs valued at GH¢500,000 from Rainbow Agrosciences Limited to support the 42nd National Farmers’ Day celebration, reinforcing private-sector participation in efforts to improve agricultural productivity and strengthen food security in Ghana.

The donation, presented at the forecourt of the Ministry in Accra, comprises herbicides and insecticides intended for distribution to award-winning farmers.

The company committed GH¢240,000 agro-inputs and a consignment of agrochemicals valued at GH¢260,000 for distribution to selected districts across the country, bringing its total support for this year’s Farmers’ Day activities to GH¢500,000.

“The Donation from Agrosciences worth GH¢240,000, agro-inputs and agrochemicals valued at GH¢260,000 to support the 42nd National Farmers’ Day celebration is commendable.”
Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku

The products are designed to support maize, rice and legume production by helping farmers manage weeds and destructive pests that threaten crop development and harvests.

Private Sector Strengthens Agricultural Support

Speaking during the presentation, Technical Manager of Rainbow Agrosciences Limited, Mr George Selasie Ocloo, disclosed that the company had earmarked another batch of agrochemicals worth GH¢260,000 for distribution across selected districts nationwide.

The additional consignment is expected to extend the company’s contribution beyond the national award ceremony, making agricultural inputs available to farmers in different farming communities.

The approach also reflects the importance of collaboration between government institutions and private agricultural input suppliers in addressing some of the practical challenges confronting farmers, including access to quality crop protection products.

The availability of appropriate agrochemicals, when combined with proper application practices, extension services and responsible handling, can help farmers protect their investments and improve the quantity and quality of harvested produce.

Ghana’s agricultural production figures demonstrate the importance of sustaining such interventions. According to the Ghana Statistical Service, maize production increased from 1.8 million tonnes in 2013 to approximately 3.3 million tonnes in 2024, while rice production rose from 600,000 tonnes to 1.1 million tonnes over the same period.

Although these figures reflect growth in national output, sustaining and expanding production will require continued attention to farm level productivity, access to agricultural inputs, improved technologies and effective extension support.

“Another batch of agrochemicals worth GH¢260,000 has been earmarked for distribution across selected districts nationwide.”
Technical Manager of Rainbow Agrosciences Limited, Mr George Selasie Ocloo

Food Security and Productivity Agenda

The donation aligns with Ghana’s broader agricultural development priorities, particularly the government’s Feed Ghana Programme, which seeks to increase domestic food production, strengthen agricultural value chains, create employment and reduce dependence on imported food commodities.

According to the Ministry’s Feed Ghana Programme results framework for 2025–2028, Ghana’s 2024 baseline food self-sufficiency ratios stood at 91 per cent for maize, 29 per cent for rice and 83 per cent for soybeans.

The targets underscore the need to strengthen production systems, improve access to essential farm inputs and support farmers with the resources required to increase output.

Rice production, in particular, presents considerable opportunities for domestic agricultural expansion, given the country’s continued dependence on imported supplies to meet national demand.

In this context, access to herbicides and insecticides can contribute to better crop management, provided their use is guided by recommended application rates, appropriate protective equipment and established environmental and food safety standards.

The Ministry’s engagement with private companies such as Rainbow Agrosciences also highlights the role of agribusinesses in supporting government-led agricultural interventions.

Beyond the supply of inputs, partnerships with agricultural companies can provide opportunities for knowledge sharing, improved farming practices and stronger connections between input suppliers and farming communities.

Ministry Commits to Effective Distribution

Receiving the donation, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Honourable Eric Opoku, expressed appreciation to Rainbow Agrosciences Limited for its continued partnership with the Ministry and support for Ghanaian farmers.

He recalled the company’s contribution to the 41st National Farmers’ Day celebration, describing its latest intervention as a continuation of its commitment to supporting the country’s agricultural development.

The Minister assured the company that the donated products would be delivered to their intended beneficiaries and utilised to support increased food production and improved livelihoods.

“The inputs would reach their intended beneficiaries and contribute to increased food production and improved livelihoods.”

National Farmers’ Day provides an annual platform for recognising the contributions of farmers and agricultural workers while drawing attention to the investments and interventions needed to advance the sector.

The additional GH¢260,000 consignment is also expected to broaden the geographical reach of the intervention, extending support to selected farming districts beyond the national celebration.

As Ghana pursues higher agricultural output and improved food self-sufficiency, sustained cooperation among government, agribusinesses, financial institutions and farmers will remain important in building a more productive and resilient agricultural sector.

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has consequently acknowledged Rainbow Agrosciences Limited for its continued commitment to Ghanaian farmers and its contribution to strengthening the country’s agricultural industry.

“Continued commitment to Ghanaian farmers and strengthening the country’s agricultural sector.”