Farmerline has refuted allegations put forth by the Member of Parliament for Builsa South, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, suggesting a breach of a purchasing agreement with rice farmers in the Gbdembilisa Valley.
Dr. Apaak raised concerns about Farmerline’s failure to fulfill its commitment to purchase rice from farmers upon harvest, resulting in significant losses for the agricultural community.
In response, Worlali Senyo, the Ghana Country Manager for Farmerline, provided a comprehensive clarification, stating that Farmerline proactively engaged with rice farmers in September when they were actively seeking buyers for their harvest.
Mr Senyo highlighted that Farmerline has already procured over 25,000 bags of rice paddy during the current harvest season and is actively involved in supporting farmers with mechanization and warehousing.
The challenges faced by rice farmers in Ghana extend beyond market access and include issues related to mechanization, storage, and transportation, especially during the critical harvest period from August to October.
Farmerline’s mission is centered on helping farmers achieve greater profitability, and as part of this commitment, the company endeavored to address the prevalent market access challenges faced by the farmers.
Farmerline has asserted that it has not violated any contractual obligations with the farmers, emphasizing that their involvement is geared towards assistance rather than contractual agreements for purchasing rice.
The company further reiterates its dedication to prioritizing the interests of farmers and continues to explore avenues to fulfill its commitments to the farming community in the Builsa South region.