Applications for the Ministry of Agriculture’s rice farming planting grant for the 2025 season are on the rise, showcasing a noticeable increase in interest compared to previous years. Mukesh Kumar, the chief executive officer of Fiji Rice Limited (FRL), reported that 283 farmers across the nation applied for the grant, marking an addition of 130 applications from last year. This enthusiasm was bolstered by focused outreach to female farmers; 46 women have also applied for assistance.
Farmers are required to plant rice seedlings between November 1, 2024, and January 31, 2025, to qualify for the grant. The Ministry has been proactive in conducting rice farming training programs nationwide, particularly aimed at encouraging iTaukei farmers to participate in the industry. This increased engagement corresponds with a rise in the paddy price from $850 to $1,000, making rice farming more financially appealing.
The FRL has been allocated an additional $150,000 by the government for the 2024/2025 financial year to support eligible farmers through the planting grant. To enhance domestic rice production, FRL has set an 80 percent supply requirement from farmers, which aims to optimize overall production levels. Parmesh Chand, the Permanent Secretary for Civil Service, emphasized the importance of landowners and village communities becoming involved in rice farming, especially due to the lucrative nature of rice compared to other cash crops.
In terms of monitoring the program, Mr. Kumar assured that there is strict oversight to prevent any misuse of the grants. A supply chain officer is dedicated to verifying the eligibility of farmers before any subsidization occurs. The selection process involves collaboration with the Principal Agriculture Officer and staff ensuring that grants are awarded based on merit.
The guidelines for the planting grant include various categories of assistance based on farm size. Minimum assistance for small farmers starts at $300 per acre, with varying levels of support for semi-commercial and commercial farmers.
This increase in applications reflects a growing recognition of the importance of local rice production in Fiji, which currently only meets 17 percent of its self-sufficiency needs, leading to a $60 million rice import bill. With efforts galvanizing more farmers to engage in rice cultivation, there is hope for improving local production and reducing reliance on imports in the near future.
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