400 rice farmers set to benefit from $150,000 govt grant

400 rice farmers set to benefit from $150,000 govt grant

By Monishka Pratap
Sunday 13/10/2024

400 rice farmers are set to benefit from a $150,000 government grant which will revitalise Fiji’s rice industry in terms of boosting the nation’s rice production.

This was revealed by President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere during his address at the President’s Awards for Rice Farmers 2024.

Ratu Wiliame says in return, these farmers are expected to supply 80 percent of their production to Fiji Rice Limited, contributing to the company’s target of collecting 480 tonnes of paddy.

Katonivere says the initiative is part of a broader push to reduce Fiji’s reliance on rice imports which currently amount to $51-$60 million annually.

He says this move comes at a time when Fiji’s rice production only meets 20 percent of local demand, producing 8,000 tonnes annually.

He says the new grant is expected to cover the planting of 600 acres of rice, primarily focusing on the Northern Division which accounts for 75 percent of the country’s rice output while farmers from Viti Levu will also be prioritized, particularly with the establishment of a new rice mill in Ba.

Katonivere says the initiative is a major step toward enhancing food security in Fiji, as well as empowering farmers with the resources and support they need to succeed.

He says beyond increased production, the program encourages innovation by urging farmers to explore value-added products like brown rice, rice flour and by-products such as rice pollards and husks.

He further says the grant underscores the importance of strategic land use and the need to integrate modern agricultural practices.

Katonivere says this development is a promising stride towards self-sufficiency in Fiji’s agricultural sector, with the potential to drastically reduce the nation’s rice import bill while encouraging greater local consumption of homegrown rice.

FEATURE NEWS
Kishore Kumar avoids jail time as 12-month sentence is suspended for 3 years in Agni Deo Singh case
57-year-old former school teacher, Kishore Kumar will not be spending time behind bars as his 12 months sentence has been suspended for three years in...
29 days ago
LATEST NEWS
Tanoa Hotel Group and NZ students plant 600 mangroves at Taiperia, Lautoka
To combat the ongoing effects of climate change and the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the Tanoa Hotel Group and 16 ...
26 days ago

Ovalau family to celebrate Easter reminiscing the hard work and dedication of their late son
The Boleilovoni family will have a celebration this Easter at their home in Lovoni Village, Ovalau, celebrating their late son Joseph Rymell ...
26 days ago

Expect a rainy Easter weekend as a flash flood alert and heavy rain warning in force for Fiji
People need to be prepared for a wet Easter weekend as a flash flood alert is still in force for all low-lying and flash flood-prone areas of Viti ...
26 days ago

Flash flood alert for Viti Levu and Vanua Levu
Please be prepared as a flash flood alert is now in force for all low lying and flash flood prone areas of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. A heavy rain ...
27 days ago

U.S Ambassador calls out China on trying to undermine its bilateral relationship with Fiji
It's puzzling that any country purporting to be a friend to Fiji would try to publicly undermine Fiji’s bilateral relationship with one of its ...
27 days ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Top Interventional Cardiologist Dr Kapadia on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
The show will focus on health services in the country. The former Marist Brothers Primary and High School student who has been practising medicine ...
37 days ago

Supervisor of Elections on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
The interview focus on preparations for the 2026 general elections, voter related issues, electoral laws, the 2022 glitch and the municipal council ...
37 days ago

Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Coach, Glen Jackson on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Coach, Glen Jackson appeared on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan from the Drua base in Nadi. Coming off ...
41 days ago

TOP