Moreen Ram, a mother and rice farmer, was honored as the Best Young Farmer of the Year (Female) at the Fiji Rice Limited (FRL) 2023 President’s Farmers Award ceremony held in Labasa. The 35-year-old was visibly emotional as she received her award from Fiji’s President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere.
Expressing her pride in this achievement, Ms. Ram encouraged more women to consider rice farming as a sustainable business option. Based in Muanidevo, Dreketi, she has dedicated the past seven years to establishing her rice farming enterprise, with unwavering support from her husband.
“My husband is a civil servant, but he always makes time to assist me on the farm,” she noted.
Ms. Ram revealed that her motivation to enter the rice farming industry stemmed from her family background, which has long been involved in this field. “We’ve always had a background in rice farming,” she mentioned, acknowledging the knowledge passed down from her parents.
With the new season approaching in November, Ms. Ram hopes to harvest seven tonnes of rice paddy. She shared that earlier production challenges, including drainage issues and limited access to harvesting equipment, have been resolved through a cooperation system among local farmers. “I’m part of a rice farming cooperative, where we farmers take turns using the harvester,” she explained.
Describing rice farming as a profitable venture, Ms. Ram pointed out that a price hike from $850 to $1000 per tonne last December has encouraged farmers to remain active in the industry. She also intends to apply for subsidies to enhance her planting and weed control efforts.
Encouraging other women to venture into rice farming, Ms. Ram stated, “It may seem difficult, but nothing is impossible if you are determined.” Her aspiration is clear: “We women can achieve anything, but we must stay committed to our goals. My aim is to one day become the best farmer in Fiji.”