Fiji Rice Pte Ltd and the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) have joined forces by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at facilitating lease arrangements for landowners and tenants. The agreement is designed to support resource owners in entering the rice farming sector.
Mukesh Kumar, CEO of Fiji Rice Ltd, emphasized that the primary goal of the MOU is to foster a collaborative relationship between various stakeholders and the TLTB. This partnership aims to promote the exchange of ideas, information, and data, ultimately improving service delivery to farmers.
“We are committed to the development of rice farmers in Fiji, particularly those from iTaukei landownership,” Kumar stated. He noted that the TLTB has been instrumental in identifying land and landowners, and their focus extends to enhancing the capacity of identified landowners to ensure they are well-informed about the rice farming industry.
The initiative is not novel, as Fiji Rice Ltd has successfully collaborated with landowners in Vanua Levu, including areas such as Vunivutu, Yalava, and Tabia, as well as Nabua in Savusavu. Additionally, 400 acres of land in Tailevu have been earmarked for rice cultivation, and efforts are underway to establish more production areas in Viti Levu.
The overarching aim of this collaboration is to boost rice production in Fiji and reduce dependence on imported rice. In 2023, Fiji Rice produced 1,300 tonnes, with plans to increase output to 1,700 tonnes this year and target 4,000 tonnes within the next two to three years. Currently, there are about 650 rice farmers in the country, and with the support of the MOU, the goal is to add an additional 100 to 150 farmers.
Kumar encourages farmers to seize the opportunity presented by the current conditions, advising them to plant more rice as now is the optimal time to benefit from favorable weather.
This initiative signals a proactive approach toward enhancing local agriculture and fostering economic growth through increased self-sufficiency in rice production.
In summary, the MOU between Fiji Rice and TLTB represents a significant step towards revitalizing Fiji’s rice farming sector. By strengthening collaboration and supporting landowners, this initiative not only aims to increase local rice production but also reinforces community resilience and agricultural sustainability in the region.
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