RMG Ghana announces farmers’ support programme against coronavirus

RMG Ghana Ltd. has announced intervention packages geared towards providing support to farmers during the period of COVID-19 pandemic. The support programme seeks to empower farmers economically, provide them with Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), and educate them on ways to prevent the spread of the virus in their line of work.

Since the first recorded case of COVID-19 in China, the disease has since ceased to be their national issue and has grown into a global plague. It will therefore not be far-reaching that gallant farmers will not be spared the rigours of this pandemic.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Martin Tettey Nartey, Commercial Manager of RMG Ghana Ltd. affirmed the commitment of the company in providing economic support to farmers. “Despite the havoc of the COVID-19 pandemic, RMG Ghana Ltd. has been able to secure all its inputs for farmers for the impending major seasons of the northern regions and the rest of the seasons of the southern regions. Just like our input distribution in the current season of the southern regions, all inputs required by farmers across the country will be stocked at all distributor outlets from Friday, 8th May 2020”, he stated.

In mitigating the economic impact of the COVID19 against farmers, Martin Nartey highlighted that all RMG’s registered farmers (cotton, rice, maize, and soya) will enjoy input credit. He also added that “…farmers can purchase our products at the approved subsidized values as per the 2020 Planting for Food and Jobs campaign.”

Mr. William Kotey, Managing Director of RMG Ghana Ltd., in his remarks, mentioned that RMG Ghana Ltd is socially-oriented in providing sustainable support to farmers in their production processes. The company is poised to support the national agenda to feed the nation. In line with this, arrangements have been put in place in close discussions with our international suppliers to ensure additional needs of farmers (hybrid seeds, crop protection products, etc.) are airlifted under special arrangements in this pandemic.

Personal Protective Equipment (hand sanitizers, facemasks, and carbolic soaps) valued at over GH¢100,000.00 are to be made available to farmers, technical staff, and distributors. Additionally, educational campaigns will also be rolled out at the community levels to help create awareness of the virus.

Receiving the items on behalf of the farmer association representatives, Mr. Benjamin Nyarkpo (Qualiseed) expressed appreciation for the donation and mentioned that it will go a long way to facilitate the operations of the farmers.

Dr. Bright Sasu Baabu, Medical Director at Acacia Medical Centre, advised the audience and farmers generally to commit to the WHO recommended protocols to prevent the spread of COVID19; washing of hands regularly with soap and flowing water, keeping social distancing, using hand sanitizer when needed.