He said the locally produced rice had high nutritional value and developing strong taste for it would also provide market for the farmers.

He was speaking at a ceremony held in Navrongo to recognize hard working farmers in the municipality.

The MCE noted that there was great potential for rice production in the Upper East Region as the Tono Irrigation Dam was being rehabilitated.

This would enable about 2,400 hectares of rice fields to be put under irrigation, next year, besides the vast Fumbisi valley that was also suitable for rice cultivation.

He said the only way to reduce the high rice import bill was for Ghanaians to consume more of the locally produced rice.

Primary schools, benefiting from the school feeding programme, and all boarding schools should accept feed the students with local rice.

Mr Aduum announced that 11 dams were going to be constructed at Manyoro, Nimbasinia, Nayagenia and Azaasi-Apelatua, Nayagenia, Vunania, Manyoro, Kologo-Zuo, Pindaa Saboro, Gia and Azaasi.

He urged the farmers to work hard to boost food production and returns.

Mr Gideon Owiredu, the Municipal Director of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), said the Tono Dam had helped farmers in the municipality to produce all-year round.

He applauded the extension officers for the good job they were doing to aid farmers to raise crop yield.

Mr Gregory Atiyire, a 49 years old farmer form Nogsenia, was adjudged the Municipal Best Farmer, for the year.

For his prize, he received a tricycle, a pair of wellington boots, cutlass, wax print, knapsack sprayer, herbicides, radio, water trough, a phone and a certificate.

Mr Atiyire, who spoke to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), called for firm action to stop the smuggling of subsidized fertilizer into neighbouring countries.

Other award winners were Mr Awe Niagia, best crop farmer, Mr Puungugara Awetoga, best fish farmer, and Mr Aduni Achana, best physically challenged farmer. They all received prizes including certificates.