NAFCO Builds Up Food Stockpiles in the North
The National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) has taken delivery of rehabilitated warehouses in the Northern Region, expanding its storage capacity under the National Food Security Reserve Programme (NFSRP). The rehabilitated facilities at Yendi, Kumbungu, and Wovogu are expected to increase NAFCO's capacity to aggregate and store rice, maize, and gari in the northern part of the country.
New Warehouses Open in the North
The 1,000-metric-tonne warehouse at Wovogu in the Sagnarigu Municipality has been re-roofed, re-wired, and painted. Flight-proof windows have also been installed to keep rodents away. The facility now has a 24-hour automated water supply system. Its administrative offices, changing room for casual workers, and laboratory have also been refurbished, alongside improved security.
The rehabilitation works at Wovogu aimed to create a more efficient and secure storage facility. The automated water supply system will help maintain a clean and safe environment for the stored food. The improved security features will also help protect the warehouse from potential threats.
NAFCO's Storage Capacity Increases
At Kumbungu, the warehouse currently holds about 15,000 bags of rice under the NFSRP. Rehabilitation works included fixing roof leakages, rewiring the facility, and replacing damaged doors. The laboratory and offices have also been refurbished, while a drying platform has been constructed.
The expanded Yendi warehouse currently holds close to 40,000 bags of national food reserve grains, comprising rice, maize, and gari. It also has 2,097 bags of millet in stock. The facility has also received two Mobile Storage Units (MSUs) donated to NAFCO by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to support government food security initiatives.
CEO Inspects Facilities, Commends Contractors
NAFCO Chief Executive Officer, George Abradu-Otoo, inspected the facilities and expressed satisfaction with the work. He said the additional 250-metric-tonne capacity at Yendi would increase the warehouse's total storage capacity to at least 4,400 metric tonnes. Mr. Abradu-Otoo commended the contractors and consultants, the Architectural and Engineering Services Limited (AESL), for the timely execution of the projects.
The rehabilitation works were funded by NAFCO under the National Food Security Reserve Programme. The additional storage capacity will enable NAFCO to step up its ability to buy, aggregate, and store grains in various parts of the country.
Boosting Local Farming
Mr. Abradu-Otoo emphasized the importance of the additional storage capacity, saying "We need the space badly to step up our ability to buy, aggregate and store grains in various parts of the country. Once we buy, the local farmer is incentivised to continue farming to feed all of us".
The increased storage capacity will have a positive impact on local farming, as farmers will be more likely to continue producing grains to meet the demand. This will help ensure food security in the region and support the government's efforts to promote agricultural development.
The rehabilitated warehouses will play a crucial role in NAFCO's efforts to enhance food security in the country. With the increased storage capacity, NAFCO will be able to store more grains, which will help to reduce food shortages and ensure that farmers are incentivized to continue producing.
Source: Joy Online
