Moreen Ram, a mother turned entrepreneur and rice farmer, was honored as the Best Young Farmer of the Year (Female) at the Fiji Rice Limited (FRL) President’s Farmers Award ceremony held in Labasa. The 35-year-old received her award from the President of Fiji, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, and felt overwhelmed with emotion.
Ms. Ram expressed her pride in this achievement and urged more women to consider rice farming as a viable business opportunity. Living in Muanidevo, Dreketi, she has devoted the past seven years to developing her rice farming enterprise, with strong support from her husband, who is a civil servant.
She shared that her motivation to enter the rice farming industry comes from her family’s long history in the field, as the knowledge was passed down from her parents. With the new rice season starting in November, Ms. Ram hopes to harvest seven tonnes of rice paddy, having overcome previous drainage and access issues with the help of a cooperative arrangement that allows farmers to share equipment.
Describing rice farming as a profitable venture, Ms. Ram noted that a price increase from $850 to $1000 per tonne last December encouraged farmers to remain engaged in the industry. She also plans to apply for subsidies to improve her farming operations further.
Encouraging other women to consider rice farming, Ms. Ram believes that despite challenges, determination can lead to success. Her aspirational goal is to become the best farmer in Fiji, emphasizing that women can achieve significant accomplishments by staying committed to their objectives.