Fiji Rice Ltd (FRL) plans to launch a roadshow campaign to promote rice planting programs in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Rural Development, and Ministry of iTaukei Affairs.
This announcement was made by FRL chairman Raj Sharma during the commissioning of the Fiji Rice Mill in Nailaga Ba on Saturday.
Sharma highlighted that FRL, with the support of the government and its own investments, has been enhancing milling capabilities over the years. He indicated that the company is considering further investments in the main mill in Dreketi, focusing on computerization and making improvements worth around $500,000 to enhance the rice milling infrastructure.
“For the Nailaga mill in Ba, we will begin with batch processing, meaning we will collect, mill, pack, and sell in the West. We will also get full-time resources to boost planting efforts in consultation and coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture,” Sharma stated.
He added that for the 2024-2025 period, there is an increased budget allocation of $1.4 million, which includes a paddy subsidy of $1.113 million and a fertilizer and weedicide subsidy of $0.288 million.
Additionally, a drainage work allocation of $0.342 million has been set aside for Dreketi irrigation farmers, who supply 80 percent of the rice, benefiting 133 farmers.