Rice Production under the System of Rice Intensification and Conventional Methods: Which is more Profitable in Ghana?

Some studies consider the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) method of rice production as more profitable than the Conventional method. Others, however, claim that there is no significant difference in yields between the two methods. The mixed representation of the economic value of the two methods of rice production by various authorities demands an empirical examination of the profitability of the two methods in Ghana. The study was, therefore, designed to identify which of the two methods of rice production is more profitable in Ghana. Two-stage sampling technique was used to select 220 farmers, comprising 110 farmers under each of the two methods of rice production which are predominant in Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipality and Sekyere East District of the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The data collected from farmers were summarized using descriptive statistics including arithmetic mean, standard deviation, minimum, maximum, frequencies and percentages. Gross margin and gross profit ratio were used to estimate profitability per acre of rice production under each method. The study revealed that, while farmers under the SRI method obtain GH¢60.68 for every GH¢100.00 sale of rice, farmers under the conventional method obtained GH¢44.04 per every GH¢100.00. The study, therefore, concludes that SRI method of rice production, though a little more costly, is more profitable resulting from a higher yield brought on by the adoption of best agronomic practices associated with the method. Based on the empirical results, the study recommends for the promotion of the System of Rice Intensification method of production in Ghana through awareness creation, extension services and training.