President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has issued a call to bolster Fiji’s rice industry by enhancing support for local farmers. Speaking at the Rice Farmers Awards held at Muanidevo Sanatan Dharam Primary School in Dreketi, Lalabalavu emphasized the importance of locally-grown rice in a nation where its demand outweighs production, necessitating imports. He highlighted Thailand’s success as a model for increasing rice production and exports.
Lalabalavu reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to agriculture with an increase in the national budget allocation to $115.3 million, $14 million more than the previous year. This includes a specific investment of $2.7 million for rice farming initiatives like research and irrigation. The President commended Fiji Rice Limited for its significant progress, noting a rise in paddy supply and outcomes of government programs, such as drainage improvements and the new Nailaga Rice Mill.
Lalabalavu also underscored the importance of encouraging greater involvement in rice farming among subsistence farmers, women, and youth, pointing out that only a small proportion of registered rice farmers are women. He urged the use of agricultural services to support and expand the sector.
Fiji Rice Board Chairman, Raj Sharma, echoed the President’s sentiments, emphasizing collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Agriculture and farmer groups to reduce import dependency and enhance food security. This shared vision aligns with ongoing initiatives, including a $150,000 investment in planting grants for farmers and an increasing application for the Ministry of Agriculture’s grants—an indication of growing interest and involvement in rice farming.
This integrated approach aims to decrease Fiji’s substantial rice import bill, estimated between $51 million and $60 million, and improve the country’s self-sufficiency, which currently stands at just 20%. With increased funding, training, and infrastructure improvements, Fiji’s agricultural sector is poised for growth, potentially reducing reliance on foreign imports and revitalizing local economies.
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