Fiji Rice Pte Ltd has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) aimed at improving lease coordination between landowners and tenants. This collaboration will also support resource owners in engaging with rice farming.
Fiji Rice Ltd CEO Mukesh Kumar emphasized that the MOU’s primary goal is to foster a strong partnership among stakeholders, particularly the TLTB, to facilitate the exchange of ideas, information, and data to enhance the services offered to farmers in the sector.
Kumar shared plans to develop rice farming specifically with iTaukei landowners through this partnership. He highlighted that Fiji Rice Ltd has already made strides in Vanua Levu, collaborating with landowners in areas such as Vunivutu, Yalava, Tabia in Macuata, and Nabua, Savusavu. Additionally, they have identified 400 acres of land in Tailevu and aim to expand their efforts to Viti Levu for rice production.
The initiative is part of a broader strategy to increase Fiji’s rice output and reduce dependence on imports. In 2023, Fiji Rice produced 1,300 tonnes of rice, with 1,700 tonnes targeted for this year. The company aims to reach a production goal of 4,000 tonnes within the next two to three years. Currently, there are 650 rice farmers in the country. With the MOU, Kumar expresses optimism about adding 100 to 150 more farmers to this number.
Kumar further encouraged farmers to seize the opportunity to plant more rice, leveraging favorable weather conditions to maximize production.
This initiative presents a significant opportunity for sustainable agricultural development in Fiji, fostering local rice production, enhancing food security, and empowering more farmers in the region.
Leave a comment