Moreen Ram, a mother and rice farmer, received the Best Young Farmer of the Year (Female) award at the Fiji Rice Limited (FRL) 2023 President’s Farmers Award ceremony held in Labasa. The 35-year-old was visibly emotional as she accepted her award from the President of Fiji, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere. Expressing her pride, Ms. Ram encouraged more women to consider rice farming as a viable career option.
Living in Muanidevo, Dreketi, she has dedicated the last seven years to developing her rice farming business with her husband’s unwavering support. “My husband is a civil servant, but he always finds time to help me with the farm,” she stated.
When asked about her motivation to enter the rice farming industry, Ms. Ram shared her family’s deep-rooted history in farming. “We’ve always had a background in rice farming,” she said, crediting her parents for imparting their knowledge to her.
As the new planting season approaches in November, Ms. Ram is aiming for a harvest of seven tonnes of rice paddy. Previously faced with challenges regarding drainage and access to harvesting equipment, she has now found solutions through a cooperative agreement with other farmers. “I’m part of a rice farming cooperative, where we farmers take turns using the harvester,” she explained.
Ms. Ram emphasized the profitability of rice farming, noting a significant price increase from $850 to $1000 per tonne last December. She plans to apply for subsidies for planting and herbicides to enhance her operations further. Encouraging women to try their hand at rice farming, Ms. Ram remarked, “It may seem difficult, but nothing is impossible if you are determined.” Her ultimate goal is to become the best farmer in Fiji, stating, “We women can achieve anything, but we must stay committed to our goals.”