Fiji Rice Ltd chairman Raj Sharma has announced that there are currently 600 registered rice farmers in Fiji, and he expects this number to grow significantly. Speaking at 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 numbers,” Sharma stated. He added that they currently source 10 percent of their paddy from Viti Levu, and aim to increase this to 25 percent in the next two sessions. By 2025, they plan to reach 1,600 farmers, by 2026 a total of 1,800, and by 2027, 2,230 farmers.
Sharma also mentioned a growing interest from first-time growers in Vanua Levu, including villages like Wailevu, Yalava, and Nabua in Savusavu. The Ministry of Agriculture is coordinating and facilitating training in these areas. Additionally, landowners in Rakiraki and Tailevu have shown interest and have had discussions with the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB).