Fiji Rice Pte Ltd has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) to streamline lease arrangements between landowners and tenants. The agreement aims to support resource owners in embarking on rice farming initiatives.
Mukesh Kumar, CEO of Fiji Rice Ltd, highlighted the importance of fostering collaborative relationships among stakeholders, particularly the TLTB, to facilitate the sharing of ideas and data for enhanced service delivery to farmers. “Our focus is on developing rice farmers in the nation, especially with iTaukei landowners,” he explained. The partnership will help identify suitable land and landowners for rice cultivation while also boosting capacity-building efforts for those ready to enter the industry.
Efforts in Vanua Levu have already shown promise, with collaborations established with landowners in Vunivutu, Yalava, Tabia in Macuata, and Nabua in Savusavu. Additionally, approximately 400 acres of land have been earmarked in Tailevu for rice farming expansion. Looking forward, Fiji Rice aims to bolster rice production in Viti Levu.
Kumar emphasized that the initiative’s ultimate goal is to increase domestic rice production, thus reducing the nation’s reliance on imports. In 2023, Fiji Rice produced 1,300 tonnes of rice, which increased to 1,700 tonnes this year, with aspirational targets set at 4,000 tonnes within the next two to three years. The number of registered rice farmers in Fiji stands at 650, and with this MOU, the organization hopes to bring an additional 100-150 farmers into the fold.
Kumar encouraged current and prospective farmers to seize the opportunity presented by favorable planting conditions and advised them to utilize the time wisely to grow more rice.
This proactive approach to enhancing local agriculture presents a promising outlook for Fiji’s self-sufficiency in rice production, fostering economic resilience in rural communities and providing opportunities for more individuals to engage in farming. By nurturing both landowners and farmers, this initiative not only supports food security but also contributes to the nation’s agricultural development.
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