Moreen Ram, a mother turned entrepreneur and rice farmer, was honored as the Best Young Farmer of the Year (Female) at the 2023 President’s Farmers Award ceremony hosted by Fiji Rice Limited in Labasa.
The 35-year-old was visibly emotional as she received her award from the President of Fiji, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere. Ram expressed her pride in this accomplishment and urged more women to consider rice farming as a viable business opportunity.
Living in Muanidevo, Dreketi, she has dedicated the last seven years to developing her rice farming enterprise with strong support from her husband, who is a civil servant. “My husband always finds time to help me with the farm,” she remarked.
Ms. Ram was inspired to enter this field due to her family’s deep-rooted history in rice farming. “We’ve always had a background in rice farming,” she explained, acknowledging that the knowledge and passion for this work were passed down from her parents.
As the new rice season approaches in November, she is aiming to harvest seven tonnes of rice paddy. Previously, drainage issues and limited access to harvesting equipment posed challenges to her production, but these have now been addressed through cooperation among local farmers. “I’m part of a rice farming cooperative, where we farmers take turns using the harvester,” she stated.
Describing rice farming as a profitable venture, Ms. Ram noted that a recent price hike from $850 to $1000 per tonne has motivated farmers to remain engaged in the industry. She plans to apply for subsidies on planting and weed control to enhance her farming operations further.
Encouraging fellow women to explore farming, Ms. Ram said, “It may seem difficult, but nothing is impossible if you are determined.” She aspires to be recognized as the best farmer in Fiji, emphasizing that women can accomplish anything with commitment and dedication to their goals.