Moreen Ram, a mother who has transitioned into an entrepreneur and rice farmer, received the title of Best Young Farmer of the Year (Female) at the 2023 President’s Farmers Award ceremony held by Fiji Rice Limited (FRL) in Labasa.
The 35-year-old expressed overwhelming emotion as she accepted her award from Fiji’s President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere. Ms. Ram took great pride in her 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 operation, with her husband providing unwavering support throughout this journey. “My husband is a civil servant, but he always finds time to help me with the farm,” she stated.
Ms. Ram revealed her motivation for entering the rice farming sector stems from her family’s long-standing tradition in the industry. “We’ve always had a background in rice farming,” she noted, highlighting the knowledge that has been passed down from her parents.
With the new planting season starting in November, she targets a harvest of seven tonnes of rice paddy. While she faced challenges related to drainage and access to harvesting equipment in the past, these issues are now resolved thanks to a cooperative arrangement among local farmers who share resources. “I’m part of a rice farming cooperative, where we farmers take turns using the harvester,” she mentioned.
Describing rice farming as a profitable endeavor, Ms. Ram pointed out that a price increase from $850 to $1000 per tonne last December has encouraged farmers to stay in the business. She intends to apply for subsidies on planting and herbicides to enhance her farming operations further.
Encouraging other women to venture into rice farming, Ms. Ram asserted, “It may seem difficult, but nothing is impossible if you are determined.” With a clear goal in mind, she expressed, “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.”