Fiji Rice Ltd chairman Raj Sharma announced that there are currently 600 registered rice farmers in Fiji, with expectations for significant growth in this number.
During the inauguration of the Fiji Rice Mill in Nailaga, Ba last Saturday, Sharma noted that 100 of these farmers are from the Western Division.
“With the new mill in place and increased interest from farmers, we anticipate a significant rise in the number of farmers,” Sharma said.
“Currently, we receive 10 percent of our paddy from Viti Levu and aim to increase this to 25 percent in the next two sessions, with targets set at 1,600 farmers by 2025, 1,800 by 2026, and 2,230 by 2027.”
Sharma also mentioned that first-time growers from Vanua Levu, including Wailevu Village, Yalava Village, and Nabua (Savusavu), are showing interest. The Ministry of Agriculture is actively coordinating and facilitating their training.
He added that landowners in Rakiraki and Tailevu have also shown interest and have met with the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB).